The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Three things to watch for in tonight’s Rising Stars Challenge

By Jared Woodcox

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz poses for a portrait as part of the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 15, 2018 at the Mariott in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz poses for a portrait as part of the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 15, 2018 at the Mariott in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 15: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait as part of the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 15, 2018 at the Mariott in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 15: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait as part of the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 15, 2018 at the Mariott in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Donovan Mitchell vs. Ben Simmons

If you’re a fan of the Utah Jazz or Philadelphia 76ers, you’ve probably been keeping an eye on the ongoing Rookie of the Year debate between Donovan Mitchell and Ben Simmons all season. However, it seems that with Utah’s latest mind-blowing streak, that debate has grown to a whole new level as it’s now no longer exclusive to fans/media of those two teams, but rather has picked up steam nationally.

There’s certainly an argument to be had for both. Mitchell is the leading scorer on a team that is looking to surge its way back into the playoffs after losing its All-Star last summer. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons affects the game in so many ways, filling the stat sheet night in and night out.

Although the two probably have no animosity towards each other on a personal level, you can bet that both are aware of the conversations taking place regarding who is most deserving of the end-of-year nod. And while the two play different positions and thus may not exactly be matched up against one other and, quite honestly, the Rising Stars Challenge shouldn’t have hardly any bearing on the Rookie of the Year decision, you can bet that Mitchell and Simmons are going to look to show one another up.

Yes, on a national stage featuring two of the best first-year players in the league, each will likely seek to take advantage of the spotlight to further solidify his argument as the deserving Rookie of the Year. With the Australian Simmons playing for the World Team, he and Mitchell will be opponents looking to outmatch one another on an individual and team basis all night long.

And don’t be surprised if they both come out with chips on their shoulders and look to specifically outshine the other. They know the narrative. They know the stage. And it’ll be a thrill ride to see who comes out on top in this one-game battle amidst a heated Rookie of the Year debate.

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