The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: The point guard situation

By Owen Nelson

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers is introduced before the game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2016 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 2016 at The Thomas & Mack Center 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers is introduced before the game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2016 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 2016 at The Thomas & Mack Center 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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September 20, 2017 has seen the release of a lot of information regarding the point guard position for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ever since Ben Simmons was drafted in 2016 there has been many enigmas, that grew even more when the 76ers drafted Markelle Fultz in the 2017 NBA Draft. At an event with the Philadelphia media, Brett Brown finally answered a lot of unanswered questions about the point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer reported that Brown is still “locked in with Ben Simmons” being the point guard of the team:

This may come as a shock to some people as they find it hard to see a reported 7-0 foot man playing point guard when the team used the number one overall pick in an actual point guard this past summer. However, Simmons has all the tools necessary to succeed at point guard, if anything, Simmons is at an advantage because he will be able to see over almost everyone who is guarding him.

Coach endorsement is huge

It must be a huge confidence booster for Simmons knowing that the coach has full faith in him to lead the team. In addition, on offense, an off-ball role for Fultz may benefit him. Fultz played very well when he playing that role for Washington last season. With the passing gifts Simmons possesses, Fultz should be getting open shots all day long.

On the defensive side of the ball, Pompey reported that Simmons will guard the opposition’s power forwards, opposed to their point guards. At this moment in time, Fultz will be the man to guard their point guards — this is hardly a surprise.

To finish, Brown commented on T.J. McConnell. It seemed extremely promising that McConnell will still play a decently sized role on the team. McConnell always gives 100 percent in every game.  In fact, the team signed two free agents last season, and McConnell simply upped his game.  That effort jumps out to the coaching staff.  To emphasize the matter, he even sank a crazy buzzer beater.

Don’t rule out T.J.McConnell

It’s likely that McConnell will be the first guard off the bench. There’s a lot of flexibility in this Sixers team, McConnell could end up playing with the first-team alongside Simmons, Fultz or J.J. Redick.

Next: 5 goals for Ben Simmons in 2017-18

Overall, this meeting gave Sixers fans a lot of much-needed insight regarding the point guard position. I’m sure this isn’t 100 percent final as training camp hasn’t started yet, but it’s nice to have a rough outline this early.