The Sixer Sense
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Sixers Can Use Jakarr Sampson Model For Simmons/Ingram

By Bret Stuter

Nov 13, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with forward Jakarr Sampson (9) before he enters the game in the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with forward Jakarr Sampson (9) before he enters the game in the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) drives to the basket in the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies during the SEC conference tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Texas A&M Aggies won 71-38. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) drives to the basket in the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies during the SEC conference tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Texas A&M Aggies won 71-38. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

But Simmons Is the Perfect Chapter II to Sampson’s Chapter I As Well

Now here comes Ben Simmons to the fray, loaded with point guard likes skills but with so many insistant upon his height forcing him to the front court.  Sampson is 6’9″, Simmons is 6’10”.  Sampson’s wing span is 6’11”.  Simmons wing span is 6’11”.

No, I’m not concluding that we have twins by different mothers here, but simply the fact that if an undrafted JaKarr Sampson could hold his own against NBA starting point guards, we deserve to allow ourselves the opportunity to see if Ben Simmons could do the same.

We already have determined Simmons to run the team. Whether that means point guard, shooting point, point forward, or just point period, he will be dribbling the ball, calling the plays, and passing the ball to the open shooter.   With Simmons on the court, the team gets offense, defense, and a pretty sophisticated set of passes which will give a great boost to the fast break transition game.  Simmons can give all that Sampson gave with many additional bonuses.  The only drawback of Simmons at the point is whether he can guard NBA point guards.

Sampson did.  Simmons should get that chance.

Looking into the future is filled with attempting to guess about the unknown, to answer the question which have yet to be asked.  Yes, Brandon Ingram and Ben Simmons have college experience in specific positions on a basketball team, but then again, so did JaKarr Sampson.

Next: What The Sixers Can Learn From Muhammed Ali

Perhaps the loss of Sampson to the Nuggets had some meaning after all.  If he could prove his versatility in the NBA, other players can as well.  Let’s make that selection at number one in this NBA draft with more than just hope.  Let’s exhibit some of the courage and spirit that JaKarr Sampson left us.