Ben Simmons Can Deliver Ish Smith Boost To Philadelphia 76ers
By Bret Stuter
Someone Needs To Lead
Granted, the Philadelphia 76ers have been plagued with poor shooting at times from any number of players, which eliminates any assists. But at no time is that more evident than in the closing minutes of a close game. Whether after a time out, after the other team pulls ahead, or after the Philadelphia 76ers get a turnover, the team seems to focus on shooting itself in the foot.
I don't know the last tim the Sixers scored on a play after a timeout in the clutch. They lose their eight straight 96-91
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) December 7, 2016
Ultimately, the Philadelphia 76ers do not have enough minutes out of Joel Embiid to have him on the court late in the game. If they do, the opponent simply surrounds him, daring the other 76ers to take a shot. Either they don’t, or they miss. And that’s the ball game.
Ben Simmons changes that dynamic in a big way. With the size and strength of a forward, he will have no trouble slicing to the basket and fighting for a layup. But he has that amazing passing ability. So he compounds the job of defenders in three ways. Defend him, and he’ll find the open man at the perimeter or the post. Defend the post, and he’ll take the shot or dish to the perimeter. Defend the perimeter, and he’ll cut to the basket, or pass to the post.
But most of all? He won’t hesitate to act.