<
>
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Get ESPN+

Why Ben Simmons might be the best all-around rookie ever

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

Ben Simmons has proven worth the wait. After missing the entire 2016-17 season with a Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot suffered in training camp, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 draft has made a difference in a variety of manners during his delayed rookie season.

In helping the Philadelphia 76ers to a 7-6 start, Simmons leads all rookies in points (17.8), rebounds (9.2) and assists (7.5) per game. It took Simmons just four games to record his first career triple-double, and per Basketball-Reference.com, his two triple-doubles are already as many as any rookie has posted since Lamar Odom had three in 1999-2000.

Based on those stats, it's worth asking whether there has ever been a rookie -- including LeBron James -- as versatile as Simmons.