JaKarr Sampson Taught Us A Lesson
The preponderance of evidence from virtually every source I’ve encountered suggests that Ben Simmons will be a forward for the Philadelphia 76ers. But from the moment I reviewed the history of JaKarr Sampson with the Philadelphia 76ers, I am forced to stop dead in my tracks and ask one simple question.
Why?
Pelican Debrief
JaKarr Sampson was a forward by dimensions and by experience, but when the Philadelphia 76ers lost their then point guard Tony Wroten to injury after starting point guard Michael Carter-Williams was traded, there were few options. It was never the ideal situation for the team to move Sampson to the point, but necessity is the mother of invention. The Sixers literally threw JaKarr Sampson into a starting point guard role with no warning, entirely from scratch.
Though Sampson didn’t make any highlight reels for his play at point guard, he didn’t embarrass himself, either. In fact, Sampson actually held his own, facing experienced opponents, and showed that he has a place in the NBA, or, in the very least, with the Sixers. His height and long wing span actually were a twist that most point guards had little experience playing against. It was very likely that step up to the plate on that occasion translated into a very attractive prospect when he became avalable to the Denver Nuggets after being waived.
Next: Simmons Is the Perfect Chapter II to Sampson's Chapter I Too