The Sixer Sense
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Ben Simmons Can Deliver Ish Smith Boost To Philadelphia 76ers

By Bret Stuter

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball 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) dribbles the ball during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball 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) dribbles the ball during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Highest Ceiling In The Draft

Besides laser-guided passing and a guard’s IQ, what else does Ben Simmons bring to the Philadelphia 76ers?

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    • In addition to the “highest ceiling in the draft” consensus by a majority of respected basketball analysts, he also brings offense and defense. Simmons contributes on the defensive end already: He blocks shots, forces 3.6 steals per 100 possessions and, most of all, grabs 30.3 percent of available defensive rebounds. There are few players in college basketball who can boast that defensive prowess.

    Plus, the strategy of how to play Simmons on a very bad Louisiana State University team cannot be overlooked: If your star player averages 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds 2.0 steals and 4.8 assists, you don’t assign that player to be a staunch defender and wear him out or place him into foul trouble. Simmons shot 56 percent from the floor, and he’s just getting started.

    You see, he’s been off now as he rehabs his foot.  But much like the rehab period of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons is not catching up on the latest episodes of The Kardashians.  Simmons is working on basketball fundamentals, improving his shot, observing the team and diagnosing how to improve the production.