The Sixer Sense
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How Jahlil Okafor and Ben Simmons Can be a Power Duo

By Josh Wilson

Nov 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Philadelphia 76ers logo on the warm up shirt of center Jahlil Okafor (not pictured) prior to action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls won 111-88. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Philadelphia 76ers logo on the warm up shirt of center Jahlil Okafor (not pictured) prior to action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls won 111-88. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Philadelphia 76ers logo on the warm up shirt of center Jahlil Okafor (not pictured) prior to action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls won 111-88. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Philadelphia 76ers logo on the warm up shirt of center Jahlil Okafor (not pictured) prior to action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls won 111-88. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Shortcomings

Although Simmons and Okafor do have some areas that they compliment each other (theoretically) in, there’s also areas where they can be liabilities on the floor together. Although this post mainly is focusing on how they could potentially be a power duo, it would be foolish to ignore the negatives that can be brought about by the two of them being on the same team.

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The most obvious thing that comes up with the two is defensive liabilities. Simmons is a smart, talented young player, but has been praised most for things on the offensive side of the ball. Okafor is the same way. Simmons has never been looked at as an awful defender, but Okafor has (although that criticism is arguably not totally warranted).

The two of them leading a front court could be devastating for the Sixers, as it would be easy for dominant big men to muscle their way inside the paint since neither of the two offer up much of a rim protecting ability.

Additionally, an issue that could come up (but seems less likely) is the issues that could arise from the the two of them being used to being focal points of the offense. Simmons is used to being the player that initiates the offense and gets it flowing, using his high-level passing ability. Okafor is used to being the main scorer on the offense he’s involved in.

This could lead to leadership power trips, but I don’t think it’s likely. Since Simmoms does passing, and Okafor does scoring, I think there’s many instances where the two will compliment each other nicely.

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