The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Ben Simmons’ Peers Don’t Recognize Greatness, but Veterans Do

By Josh Wilson

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ben Simmons (LSU) reacts as he walks off stage after being selected as the number one overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ben Simmons (LSU) reacts as he walks off stage after being selected as the number one overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Ben Simmons is looked down on by his peers according to polls, but he’s surrounded by great veteran workout partners. Are his peers jealous?

Fans and writers have speculated about the future of Ben Simmons’ career before he was even drafted this June. When the Philadelphia 76ers, the team that won less than 50 games over a 3-year span, picked him up, the takes just got hotter and hotter. For the most part, he’s expected to be a solid NBA player by fans of the Sixers and fans of other teams as well. Despite him lacking the skills to be a solid shooter, he has the passing and playmaking ability to make up for it, at least for now.

The general perception, even though it’s the Sixers, is positive regarding both the team and Simmons. This is a bit surprising. But there’s a very specific group that’s down on Simmons and down on him being the best player in this draft class. That group is his peers — the draft class itself.

In a recent poll of 38 rookie players, Simmons came in third, behind Kris Dunn and Brandon Ingram, as the Rookie of the Year favorite.

More from The Sixer Sense

That’s all fine and dandy, but it doesn’t line up with what some could argue is the more wise crowd — the experienced veterans. The peers that Simmons has been surrounded with already in his young career show that he’s in a talented crowd. While we don’t have a poll from the vets, we do see the names he’s training alongside.

Before Simmons was drafted, LeBron James — arguably the best basketball player in the world right now — was mentoring the young player. And just the past few days, Simmons, James, Dwyane Wade, and some other players all trained together.

Heck, Simmons would practically have to have been training with the All-Star teams this summer to get around more NBA talent than that in one gym.

Related Story: 5 Reasons Simmons Will be an All-Star During His Career

This isn’t typical. Sure, LeBron brought Jordan McRae to the workout, who is definitely not at the level of play of James or Wade, but that’s because McRae is James’ teammate. Great players like that don’t cross over team lines all that often to train with other players, unless they’re really good friends, or they really respect their talent. Simply giving Simmons the time of day, let alone practicing with him, is a nod of respect from James and Wade to Simmons and the talent he has coming in.

Next: Embiid Has Advantage for ROY

So, keep hating, rookies in the 2016 draft class. But just remember how you voted when Simmons is holding the Rookie of the Year award at the end of the season.