The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Ben Simmons is the Philadelphia 76ers most valuable player

By Roger Acker

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white) Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white) Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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After missing the entire season last year due to injury, the debut of Ben Simmons is upon us. Can he showcase his unique skill set and lead the Philadelphia 76ers back to the playoffs?

The Philadelphia 76ers have not been to the playoffs since 2012. During that span, mediocre talent ran the floor with no clear leader, playmaker, or established chemistry. Without a player to consistently control games for the team, they could expect no consistency or success.

Now, with the team overflowing with young talent ready to leave their mark, Brett Brown finally has a squad ready to establish their role and team identity. While their core three players are all some of the most talented young players in at their respective position, lack of experience will make this season a learning experience.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

In order to win while going through such a learning curve, a head coach must find a star player to rely on. Markelle Fultz, while talented, is still 19 and lacks the NBA training Embiid and Simmons have had. Even though injury has kept them off the court, the resources available and training provided by an NBA team far exceeds that of Washington. This training puts Fultz at a disadvantage to be the focal point early on.

In Embiid’s situation, he may be the most talented big man in the league. Not many in the NBA can match his potential, and that’s just going off a sample size of 31 games, college highlights, and YouTube clips. That does not take away from the fact that the NBA is currently not a big man’s league. He can dominate defensively and showcase his offensive versatility, but now with more weapons the team will not rely on him so heavily. Last year’s absurd usage percentage will go down, and the ball will not be in his hands as often.

Taking this role as the new lead man will be Ben Simmons. Google Brett Brown’s thoughts on Ben Simmons, and you will find it littered with articles and quotes on his intentions to run Simmons as the initial handler, boasting his skill set, and how he is training him to run the team. Just because the team drafted Fultz does not mean a year of training will go out the window for Simmons to play the four.

With the recent hype around Lonzo Ball‘s passing, people forget how insanely gifted of a passer Simmons is, not just for his size but in general. He has been compared to LeBron and Magic, but one injury to postpone his rookie season magically washed that hype away from the national spotlight. With Covington, Fultz, and Redick around him, he will have plently of room to roam the paint with shooters all around him. Taking into account Embiid’s near 37 percent 3-point percentage, and Simmons will have the entire paint to operate and pick apart a defense.

His size and insane versatility brings such a high value to a team that it provides a new potential level on offense for a team to operate. Having such a talented playmaker that can pair with Markelle Fultz can make it nearly impossible to guard the Philadelphia 76ers if they eventually hit their stride.

Next: 4 Sixers entering a pivotal 2017-2018 season

While Fultz is this year’s number one pick, and Embiid has already captivated the nation, Ben Simmons will take the lead for the Philadelphia 76ers. If his potential is reached, his combination of size, athleticism, and talent would only be matched by the truly elite in the league. Look for Brett Brown to trust Simmons and use him to control the offense, while letting the point forward take advantage of the team’s new plethora of offensive weapons.