The Sixer Sense
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Ben Simmons’ high expectations almost feel reasonable

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 11: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on before the game against the Miami Heat on February 11, 2017 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 11: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on before the game against the Miami Heat on February 11, 2017 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons is setting lofty expectations, but his talent is more than enough to back it up.

When the Philadelphia 76ers selected Ben Simmons with the No. 1 pick back in 2016, there was virtually no resistance. Many viewed Simmons as a generational talent, while the sheer uniqueness of his skill set led many to project him as a franchise-altering force for a Sixers team that desperately needed a leader.

Now, just one year removed from that momentous occasion, people have seemingly forgot about just how good Ben Simmons is.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

This year’s Rookie Survey doubled down on a trend that’s gaining far too much steam. Simmons is being left out of Rookie of the Year discussion in some circles, while his talent is being evaluated (incorrectly) on the same plane as names like Jayson Tatum and Lonzo Ball.

Simmons is a categorically stronger prospect than anybody selected in the 2017 draft — Markelle Fultz included. He also has the benefit of a year’s worth of preparation under a professional training staff, something that should expedite his growth once he hits the court. Health doesn’t feel like a long-term issue, and his talent — although it’s been on the shelf for a year — should still garner the type of hype it did in 2016.

With expectations lowering for some of those situated outside of Philadelphia, Simmons is upping the stakes himself. He has repeatedly taken his goals to a public platform, and his most recent comment is both cliche and head-turning: “My goal is to be the best player in the world.”

There are a few layers to unpack here. This is a comment that virtually every top draft pick makes, so overreacting would, in general, be a mistake. Fultz had the same sentiments this offseason, as did Lonzo Ball. But with Simmons, the comments — while likely unattainable — feel almost reasonable.

I don’t think Simmons will be the best player in the league. LeBron James and Kevin Durant will hold that title in succession for the next several years, while names like Giannis Antetokounmpo are more than capable of taking the throne down the road.

But Simmons’ potential isn’t something that comes around all that often. The LeBron comparisons were overblown, but they were made for a reason. Players with Simmons’ combination of physical tools and basketball know-how are seldom found, much less in a 21-year-old.

Joel Embiid is the Sixers’ cornerstone as it currently stands, but there’s a very real argument in favor of Simmons as the team’s most important piece moving forward.

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He’ll be running the offense, utilizing that inordinate combination of body control, footwork and basketball I.Q. to pick apart defenses — both in transition and in the halfcourt. Whether it’s stationed in the high post or gunning down court on a fastbreak, Simmons has a mismatch in his favor at almost all times. His intelligence elevates his decision making, while his physique makes it almost impossible to fully contain his repertoire.

The jumper remains a work in progress, and that could very well be what holds him back the most. But every other aspect of Simmons’ game functions at a high level. He’s a bonafide stud around the basket, using floaters and sheer athleticism to maneuver his way into shots at the rim.

That athletic advantage alone is enough to keep him viable as a scorer, while his I.Q. alone will place him into a position to succeed on a consistent basis. Aside from Lonzo, we haven’t seen a player with Simmons’ smarts in quite some time. Ball is an athletically-mediocre 6-foot-6. Simmons is a 6-foot-10 forward with one of the fastest end-to-end speeds in his class.

Elite rebounding and all the tools requisite of a plus defender accompany Simmons’ offensive production. While many failed to look past the losses at LSU, his tangible production stood as one of the more impressive statistical compilations of the last several years.

It’s difficult to excel in as many ways as Simmons can, while his ability to make those around him better only increases his value. Simmons may never be the best player in the world, but his talent is enough to get him a heck of a lot closer than people think.

Next: Predicting the Sixers' win total (Roundtable)

Simmons is fired up for this upcoming season — and Sixers fans should follow suit.