How Does Ben Simmons Fit In The Sixers’ Lineup?

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Ben Simmons with the first overall pick the 2016 NBA Draft. But how will he fit into their starting lineup?

The Philadelphia 76ers made it official on Thursday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY by selecting former Louisiana State point forward Ben Simmons with the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Simmons, at 6-feet-10-inches and 240 pounds, possess the ball-handling skills of guard, and can control the offense in transition or the halfcourt. He’s a mismatch nightmare on either end of the floor.

While smaller defenders are guarding Simmons, he’ll be able to post them up on the block and find a way to the basket. And if guarded by big forwards that lack speed, Simmons’ athleticism will allow him slash to the hole to either attack the basket or kick out to the open shooter.

But how will Simmons work in the Sixers’ starting lineup?

In a press conference after the Sixers’ selection, Brett Brown said they will start Simmons out at the power forward position.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Brown rotates the starting lineup a bit and starts Simmons at small forward, too, but a lineup with Simmons at power forward could look like this:

PG: Ish Smith? — unrestricted free agent

SG: Nik Stauskas

SF: Robert Covington

PF: Ben Simmons

C: Joel Embiid

With the Sixers failing to get back into the lottery, they missed out on Kris Dunn out of Providence, who they were reportedly highly interested in, and Jamal Murray out of Kentucky.

That leads to Smith being inserted into the lineup as the starting point guard with a question mark next to his name. He’s an unrestricted free agent. And with the Sixers now being forced to look into free agency for guard help, Smith becomes a likely option.

Smith’s game would improve with Simmons in the lineup, especially in transition. Last year, Smith often made highlight-reel alley-oop plays with Nerlens Noel in the halfcourt or transition, and a Smith, Simmons duo could excel.

The position group that would benefit the most out of Simmons’ presence is the wing players—Stauskas, Covington, and Jerami Grant.

With Simmons in the lineup, his vision and ability to drive-and-kick could present many opportunities on the outside for the Sixers.

After a disappointing season last year, Stauskas, might be able to rebound with Simmons running the offense. Stauskas, known for his three point shooting, shot 32 percent from three-point range last season.

Stauskas, the eighth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, entered the league after shooting 44 percent from three-point range during his sophomore season at Michigan University.

Lastly, the Sixers’ log jammed frontcourt — now including Simmons — will be at an advantage with him at the power forward position.

While Simmons posts on the block and demands a double-team, his vision will help him overcome pressure from the defense and allow him to dish the ball to Embiid, Jahlil Okafor or Noel.

In the pick-and-roll game, Simmons will be able attack the rim against a mismatch or even lob the ball to Noel flying to the basket for an alley-oop.

Like I said above, Simmons is a position-less player. He can multiple positions on a team’s starting five, and right now, with the roster the Sixers have, they could benefit with him anywhere in the lineup.