Donovan Mitchell and Ben Simmons have long been at the top of the Rookie of the Year debate. Simmons' comments downplaying Mitchell's sensational season in early April, however, stirred up a mini-beef between the two that resulted in the launch of an Adidas marketing campaign for Mitchell that takes a direct shot at Simmons' "rookie" status.

It was a thinly-veiled shot at the 76ers' rising star, who was drafted in 2016 but did not play in his first year in the league due to injuries.

Despite given the opportunity to tear down his fellow Rookie of the Year candidate on Friday following Simmons' 1-point Thursday night dud against the Celtics, Mitchell instead offered up support to his fellow rookie.

"It happens to everybody," Mitchell said. "It just so happens that it happened to [Simmons], and I expect him to respond back. He's a good player. Good players respond back, and it's all about the response. It's a testament to his character. But it happens. He can't play great every night. It's not as easy as some people think."

While Simmons -- averaging 9.5 points, six rebounds, 6.5 assists and six turnovers per game -- has struggled against the Celtics, Mitchell has thrived in the second round. Against the Rockets, the Jazz rookie has averaged 19 points, eight assists and four rebounds in a 1-1 series that shifts to Salt Lake City on Friday night. It's been the perfect storm for him as he tries to sway the minds of those who leaned toward Simmons over him in the Rookie of the Year voting.

Never mind the fact that the deadline for Rookie of the Year voting has passed, if Mitchell can continue his success against the West's top-seeded team, the debate about who was more deserving of the honor could once again ramp up into full swing.