The Philadelphia 76ers are, once more, undergoing a transformation. This year, the team welcomes top-select..."/> The Philadelphia 76ers are, once more, undergoing a transformation. This year, the team welcomes top-select..."/> The Philadelphia 76ers are, once more, undergoing a transformation. This year, the team welcomes top-select..."/>
The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Can three stars shine for Philadelphia 76ers

By Bret Stuter

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 11: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up with Joel Embiid #21 prior to the game against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2017 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 11: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up with Joel Embiid #21 prior to the game against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2017 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Not a question of ego, but unfamiliarity

The challenge is simple, and fundamental. To lead, a player must know himself, his teammates, and his coaching staff. In short, leading is adhering to a plan and communicating to all who are impacted.

In the 2016-2017 season, the leader was and is Joel Embiid.   But in the 2017-2018 season, that leadership role will likely pass onto Ben Simmons.  How will that work? Well enough, we hope.

But there is more to leadership. It’s as much of a service as a director.  The best leaders never talk about leading, it just gravitates to them naturally.

Then there is that question of Markelle Fultz. He is the newest, but perhaps the best fit, of the trio. All three have what it takes to lead a team.  All have the potential to enjoy tremendously productive careers in the NBA. But none have played an NBA game with the other.

In short, this team will be built upon OJT or “On-the-Job-Training”, principles.