The Impact Of Ben Simmons

Familiarity

Much of the NBA, well professional sports for that matter, hinges on first impressions.  If the first appearance is lights out good, the expectation is that performance is par, and will be expected.  If the first appearance is less than stellar, phrases like “bust” are tossed into conversation far too rapidly.

No matter what your expectation and tolerance, the Philadelphia 76ers will be run on head coach Brett Brown’s timetable.  And he is a very very patient man.

As we had expected long before the Philadelphia 76ers were blessed with the first overall pick of the NBA draft, this combination unites Brown with the prodigy of his former player in Australia, David Simmons

"“This is the real story behind it. Ben Simmons is the son of someone I coached for four years,” Brown said. “I was his dad’s assistant coach when I was with the Melbourne Tigers and his mom was the head cheerleader and then here comes Ben Simmons. David Simmons was from Harlem, New York. He could have been a linebacker, he could have been a prize fighter. (Dave Simmons) was a basketball player more out of athleticism and girth than he was out of finesse and skill. He was a tough, tough 6-8 and hard like an Anthony Mason-type player.His son is finesse and a 3, 1, 4. Really different.” – Brett Brown discussing Ben Simmons prior to the NBA Draft"

Ben Simmons is unique.  He has the skill set of a back court player in the body of a front court physique. He can rebound and distribute. Simmons can pass and run plays.  Finally, he can score and block.  But what position on the NBA basketball court can apply all these skillsets simultaneously.

That is the quest of head coach Brett Brown this season. He’s had a great deal of time to ponder how best to develop this rookie, nearly 20 years to be exact.

Next: Slow Build