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?