Utah Jazz: Mitchell, Simmons exchange digs in ROY race

The NBA’s Rookie of the Year race isn’t just playing out on the hardwood. Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz and the Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons are also trading subtle (and not so subtle) jabs off the floor.

Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz landed multiple haymakers during their 119-79 drubbing of the Golden State Warriors. As hard as the hits were in the game, though, the stiffest shots of the night were exchanged by Mitchell and Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons in the Rookie of the Year race.

I’m not talking about what went down on the hardwood, either.

Before the Jazz tipped things off against the Warriors, Mitchell was snapped sporting a hoodie. This was no ordinary hoodie; the following was printed across the front for all the world to see —

Rookie: An athlete playing his or her first season as a member of a professional sports team.

Check it out, via this tweet from the Utah Jazz.

For the casual fan, this is in reference to the fact that Simmons was drafted in 2016 and spent a year with Philly, learning the ropes of the NBA life, before he finally debuted this season. The idea being that he’s not really a rookie and shouldn’t be eligible for Rookie of the Year honors.

The hoodie was a bit of a departure for Mitchell, who’s mostly played it coy when asked about the Rookie of the Year race. However, he’s stepped things up since Simmons more or less dismissed him as a legitimate contender on Monday.

When asked which other rookies have caught his eye this season, Simmons pulled no punches with his response. “None,” deadpanned the 21-year-old Aussie. He also said that he’s “100 percent” the Rookie of the Year.

He was similarly unimpressed by Mitchell when he was told about the hoodie on Tuesday. While the Jazz guard lets his game (and shirt) do the talking, Simmons has no qualms about pumping himself up.

Meanwhile, following Utah’s win over the Warriors, Mitchell reverted to his usual, humble self when asked about the ROY race.

Next: Jazz dominate Warriors in home finale

Undoubtedly, both players are rocking the hardwood. However, I’ll take Mitchell’s tone off the floor every day of the week.