The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Ben Simmons Has Basketball Skills Made Better By Physique

By Josh Wilson

Jul 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) gestures from the court during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) gestures from the court during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Height

Although it’s true that Simmons just naturally has a good sense of everything on the floor, part of the reason his vision is so good is his height. Standing at 6-10, Simmons is just as tall as power forwards, and even some centers.

Having that height allows Simmons to see above a lot of his defenders. Since most teams will opt to have shorter, quicker players guard Simmons, they will sacrifice having a tall defender guard Simmons. This will allow him to see above and get close to a bird’s-eye-view of the court.

As I discussed earlier, Simmons having the skills of a guard but the body of a power forward is deadly. He can move the ball around while out-muscling most players, all while having a height advantage over most guards as well.

So, to combat the height and the broad vision, teams could put taller players on Simmons, but they will be at risk of him blowing right past them on his way to the hoop. There really is no good way to guard Simmons. Either you’re allowing him to score easily on his own, or you’re allowing him to easily see where he needs to put the ball in regards to his teammates.

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That just makes it clear that the Sixers need to get some solid players to fill around Simmons, so that when he does give the ball to open players, they can actually sink those shots. Otherwise, his vision is useless.