By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Although he was snubbed once again for a spot in this year's All-Star Game, Philadelphia 76ers' point guard Ben Simmons was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month on Thursday for the second time this season. Dating back to last year, the Sixers have taken home Rookie of the Month honors in seven of the last nine months. Simmons was also named Rookie of the Month for the East for games played in November. This time around, he earns the recognition for his play during January, a month that saw his team post a record of 7-5, a nice turnaround from December's 5-10 record.
In 12 games during the month of January for the Sixers, Simmons posted averages of 17.1 points (2nd among rookies), 6.7 assists (2nd among rookies) and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 59.7 percent from the floor.
Eastern Conference @Kia NBA Rookie of the Month @BenSimmons25 of the @Sixers in action! #KiaROTM pic.twitter.com/NtS12pY8FQ
— NBA (@NBA) February 1, 2018
Simmons is averaging 16.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game this season for Philadelphia. He leads all rookies in rebounding (7.8), assists (7.3), steals (1.77), minutes (35.1), double-doubles (19) and triple-doubles (5). Ben ranks second among first-year players in scoring behind Western Conference Rookie of the Month winner, Utah's Donovan Mitchell (19.3 ppg).
Simmons and the Sixers host the Miami Heat on Friday night in Philadelphia on ESPN for the first half of a back-to-back. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m.
