Philadelphia 76ers: Headband Ben Simmons is the best Ben Simmons

After struggling early in the season, Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons is rounding into shape.

The Philadelphia 76ers are 19-9, sole owners of second place in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks (and eventually Celtics) will probably catch up, but things are trending in the right direction for Brett Brown’s squad.

Since acquiring Jimmy Butler, the team is 10-3, featuring losses to Toronto (expected), Orlando (first game with Butler, so understandable) and Cleveland (fluky). Butler went down with a groin injury in Monday’s win over Detroit, but hopefully the news on that front is positive.

While Butler obviously benefits the Sixers, Ben Simmons has seen a surprising uptick in production post-trade. He’s showing more aggressiveness on both ends, getting to the rim, exploiting mismatches in the post and playing his way into the All-Defense conversation.

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People will still point to Simmons’ shooting as a point of weakness, but it shouldn’t overshadow how effective he is right now. Even at 22 without any willingness to shoot threes, Simmons is working himself into the All-Star conversation. He’s a solid top-30 player in most books.

Simmons’ glaring defect makes it difficult to construct lineups around him, and the fit between him and a post-centric big can, at times, get clunky. But all in all, he’s an elite playmaker, budding defender, and someone whose upside continues to tantalize fans.

In the 12 games since acquiring Butler, Simmons is averaging 15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds 8.2 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 62.1 percent from the field. He’s finishing at the rim, owning his possessions in the post and forming undeniable chemistry with the team’s new superstar.

Simmons’ impact has gotten even better as of late, though. There’s only one feasible explanation: the headband.

When Simmons and Butler formed the headband brothers in the Sixers’ blowout victory over Washington a couple weeks ago, Simmons reached a new gear — especially on the defensive end. Now Butler is ditching the headband, but Simmons is thriving.

The stats haven’t taken a sizable leap, but Simmons’ comfort level is undeniable. He’s also competing hard on defense — possibly due to the pre-game bets he’s making with Butler. After starting the season lethargic, he’s beginning to build on his historic rookie campaign.

Here are some of the week’s best stories.

The importance of Mike Muscala, Simon Smith/Hoops Habit

Coming off two strong games against Detroit, Mike Muscala is asserting himself in the Sixers’ rotation. Smith breaks down his game, his importance, and why fans can rest easy with Moose anchoring the second unit frontcourt.

Sixers Stat of the Week: Jimmy Butler’s unsustainable 3-point shooting ($), Derek Bodner/The Athletic

In 12 games with the Sixers, Jimmy Butler is shooting 41.9 percent from three-point range. He has been especially hot lately, shooting 47.2 percent in the week prior to Monday’s game. Bodner breaks down where those shots are coming from and how Butler is adjusting to the Sixers’ offense.

Unlocking Ben Simmons: A 3-point shot, Brian Murphy/Liberty Ballers

Murphy makes the connections between Ben Simmons and Giannis Antetokounmpo, two athletic anomalies who practically can’t shoot. How can the former emulate the latter, and what role could a three-point shot play in Simmons’ long-term development.

Processing the Philadelphia 76ers: Headband Ben Simmons is the best Ben Simmons

By Christopher Kline | Dec 11, 2018

After struggling early in the season, Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons is rounding into shape.

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