The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Markelle Fultz hints at diverse offensive attack

By Christopher Kline

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for a photo together during 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 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for a photo together during 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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The Philadelphia 76ers will let both Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz handle the ball next season, and the latter seems excited about the possibilities.

In a league that stresses versatility, the Philadelphia 76ers have compiled one of the most diversely talented groups in the league. Joel Embiid showcased his ability to score at all three levels last season, while names like Robert Covington and J.J. Redick increase Brett Brown’s flexibility in different facets.

The pairing that will spearhead that diversity, however, is Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons — both of whom are natural point guards, and both of whom will handle the ball in bulk next season.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

While there are plenty of teams with multiple ball handlers (Cleveland, Golden State, Washington, et. al.), few have a pairing as proficient as Philadelphia’s. Brett Brown will have the luxury of two players who, despite being rookies, are capable of running an NBA offense at a high level. They’re also versatile in a vacuum, with Simmons’ athletic tools and Fultz’s polish allowing them to contribute across the board.

There are some clearly defined differences in their games. Fultz is a far better scorer, bending defenses in the pick-and-roll while thriving in isolation. Simmons focuses more on the floor general role, manipulating the offense and setting up teammates in a manner that keeps almost any defense off balance.

When paired together, they have the opportunity to pressure opposing teams from a variety of different angles, with options — both in transition and in the halfcourt setup — that most NBA teams don’t have. In an interview with Keith Pompey, Fultz seemed excited about the possibilities.

"“It’s unpredictable,” he said. “I feel sorry for the teams that are going to have to go against that… He’s going to push it sometimes, I’m going to push it. I get to run the floor. I get to set screens for him. He gets to set screens for me.”"

That unpredictability is something Brett Brown could feast on. His offense have always included heavy doses of ball and player movement, but this is the first season where he has the personnel needed to carry it out. Redick will stretch the floor, while Embiid and Covington will both be able to find their spots off the ball.

With Simmons and Fultz, Brown has two players capable of running a myriad of different sets. A Fultz/Simmons pick-and-roll (whichever way to split it) forces the defense into a tough spot in and of itself. There aren’t many valid comparisons between the Golden State basketball machine and this Sixers squad, but the uniqueness of their personnel does yield options that not many other teams around the league can match.

Next: Can the Sixers win with youth?

The Sixers won’t be operating at that level, but they’ve more than established the basis for one of the league’s more multifaceted offensive attacks. It should be fun to watch the offense unfold as the season rolls around.