Sixers mailbag: TLC’s future, an Embiid contingency plan, and more

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Markelle Fultz #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives against Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

If Embiid doesn’t pan out, who’s better to build around: Fultz or Simmons?

If Embiid doesn't pan out, who is better to build around long term. Simmons or Fultz? Must pick 1.
— VinceyPump Rules (@VinceWilliams28) July 8, 2017

I feel like this may be a controversial response, but the answer, at face value, seems relatively simple: Fultz.

There are obviously several factors that play into a discussion like this — most of which we aren’t fully capable of understanding. We still haven’t seen either of them on the floor against NBA competition, and that makes the entire premise of this question a bit premature. But Fultz, in terms of skill set, is the type of player the Sixers could likely find more success building around.

The modern NBA stresses versatility, which Simmons brings in plentiful fashion. At 6-foot-10, Simmons is among the most gifted passers to enter the league in quite some time. He makes reads that most point guards can’t, while his ability to exploit different angles has drawn comparisons to the playmaking prowess of LeBron James.

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But what Simmons can’t do in score at a high clip. He’s plenty skilled as a finisher around the rim, but his jumper from the free throw line extended simply isn’t consistent enough to warrant relying on him as the only number one option in a vacuum.

Situational differences is one of those aforementioned factors that could alter the scope of this discussion. If Simmons is surrounding by scorers and ample spacing, he’s far more valuable than he would be if those shooters weren’t there.

But Fultz has the ability to both distribute at a high level while also scoring with variety at all three levels. His vision in the pick-and-roll is unique in it’s own right, while his poise and body control when looking to score is remiscent of what has made James Harden one of the league’s foremost offensive guards.

Fultz has the ability to make others around him better while still shouldering the bulk of the scoring load. That’s the deciding factor in a difficult debate.