The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Why Philadelphia 76ers Are Improving

By Bret Stuter

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) and forward Robert Covington (33) shoot at the basket from the second floor balcony during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) and forward Robert Covington (33) shoot at the basket from the second floor balcony during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 7
Next
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cavalry

Ben Simmons is on his way back, fans. Not to show up. He’s not coming back to participate. Simmons is on his way to take over the team, to learn and then lead. It’s his burden as the top draft pick of the 2016 NBA Draft.

Much like Joel Embiid, he’s coming to the NBA to prove he deserves the hype.

And he’s coming in as the point guard.

Live Feed

Pass or Pursue: 3 High-Profile Spurs Trade Targets from Bleacher Report
Pass or Pursue: 3 High-Profile Spurs Trade Targets from Bleacher Report /

Air Alamo

  • 4 Trae Young trades the Hawks should consider FanSided
  • The Whiteboard: Wild cards who could reshape the 2023-24 NBA season FanSided
  • 5 Players Blazers could swap Jerami Grant for to keep tanking hopes alive Rip City Project
  • NBA Rumors: Ben Simmons in best shape of his life for third time in 3 years FanSided
  • NBA rumors: Erik Spoelstra is a trojan horse, surprise suitor for JaVale McGee, Ben Simmons still loves Philly FanSided

    • Can he do it? Offensively, in a heart beat. He is a field general, able to roll offensively plays, place the ball into the hands of the shooter just as he lines up for the open shot. He’s all that, at 6-foot-10. But some fear he cannot guard a point guard. With the exception of Gerald Henderson, I’m not certain many on the roster can. Simmons cannot do significantly worse than some defensive play I’ve witnessed so far.

    Upside

    But the upside is that he may not need to sit in his opponent’s back pocket. His height forms a formidable barrier, while his wingspan gives him an advantage at reaching in to disrupt play.  He can cover a wider swath of passing lanes, and his natural passing ability gives him better anticipation.

    Often compared to LeBron James, Simmons has huge shoes to fill even as a rookie.  LeBron scored 20.9 points per game, delivered 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game. Can Simmons deliver that much?  Perhaps not, as he will be joining the team for the last half of the season.

    In summer league, Simmons averaged 12.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. While summer league is not an NBA season, it’s the best example of Simmons’ play for the 76ers.  His production would be a boost to the team in a number of critical categories.