By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
In not so surprising news, Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month today by the NBA for games played in November. This is an award he's likely to win more than once this season.
Simmons has played in 20 games so far this season and is averaging 18.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 2.3 steals in over 35 minutes while shooting 50.7 percent from the floor. He's just the second player since Hall of Famer Oscar Robinson to average 18+ points, 9+ rebounds and 7+ assists through through 20 career games. Simmons (2) was also the first player since Robinson (4) to tally multiple triple-doubles through nine career games. Simmons leads his rookie classmates in scoring, rebounds, minutes and steals. He's tied with Lonzo Ball for tops among rookies in assists.
Sixers rookies have won six of the last seven Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month awards with Joel Embiid taking home the honors in November and December of 2016 in addition to January of 2017. Dario Saric won the award in February and March.
Lakers first-round pick Kyle Kuzma took home the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award after averaging 16.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in November, shooting 50.4 percent from the floor.
