Simmons ties Jordan, others for 3rd-most triple-doubles by a rookie
Not even a third of the way through the 2017-18 campaign, Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons continues to write his name all over the record books.
With his 10th rebound of the Sixers' game against the visiting Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, Simmons officially recorded the third triple-double of his young career. He finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 15 assists.
He joined Michael Jordan, David Robinson, Tim Hardaway, Kevin Johnson, and Lamar Odom for the third-most triple-doubles in a rookie season, per Basketball Reference.
Coincidentally, those on the list could soon be joined by another entrant: Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball is currently tied for fourth place with two triple-doubles so far this season. He finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists on the night, including the dime that set up Brandon Ingram's game-winner, as the Lakers took it 107-104.
With his next triple-double, Simmons would tie Jason Kidd for the second-most triple-doubles by a rookie, and would trail only former Phoenix Suns center Alvan Adams, who recorded five triple-doubles as a rookie during the 1975-76 season.
Simmons came into Thursday's contest averaging 18 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game.