The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Can Philadelphia 76ers Match Eagles 2016 Success?

By Bret Stuter

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) is greeted by center Joel Embiid (L) during a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) is greeted by center Joel Embiid (L) during a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) yells from the court during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Los Angeles won the game 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) yells from the court during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Los Angeles won the game 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Simmons’ Ceiling

Ben Simmons is an NBA player whose talents defy categorization. He does so much well that slotting him into a traditional NBA role dilutes his impact. But one area he does draw a great deal of attention is in comparisons to his mentor, LeBron James.

We know that Ben Simmons is new to the NBA, and that the quality of the team surrounding him is still a work in process.  But when LeBron entered the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers were struggling as well.

LeBron shined, averaging 21 points, 5.5 boards, six assists and 1.6 steals per game while playing a touch under 40 minutes a night.

Can Simmons get 40 minutes a night?  Doubtful on a Brett Brown coached team.  But he will be 32 minutes a night. Maintaining the same proficiency, that would translate into 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.  In all fairness, I believe that Simmons will exceed those statistics in both rebounds and assists.

Overall, the upside of the three Sixers rookies could fall in line with or surpass that of NBA greats this year.  But what would that mean for the team overall?