The Sixer Sense
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Ben Simmons is primed for an eventual triple-double

By Christopher Kline

WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 18: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ersp drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 18: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ersp drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With two double-doubles in as many games, we may see a triple-double from Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons in the near future.

Some game-specific statistical speculations are asinine, but Ben Simmons poses a unique skill set with unique potential in the Philadelphia 76ers‘ offense. Brett Brown is giving him almost unmitigated control in both the halfcourt setup and in transition, which gives Simmons plenty of chances to make plays.

Once he’s settled in and more comfortable making all of the plays available to him, we should see his statistical production reach some new heights as well.

Simmons has already kicked off his career with a pair of double-doubles in the team’s first two games. The rebounding instincts that he showed as LSU are still present, while his scoring prowess — albeit limited by a lack of shooting, touch and aggressiveness — is still reliable when he’s able to get the rim.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

Not many players can match Simmons’ combination of size and speed stride-for-stride, which affords him plenty of mismatches in almost every setting. The offense is drawn up in a way that gets him a running start downhill in stationary sets, while his transition game is already becoming one of the most impressive in the league.

That elite rebounding and solid scoring comes with the obvious flash he has as a passer. His vision allows him to bend defenses at angles most guards can’t exploit, while also making the game easier for names like J.J. Redick and Robert Covington on the perimeter. The Sixers’ offense, even with all their struggles, has looked far better to start this season, and Simmons is the biggest reason why.

As the team settles in and the newer members better understand their roles, Philly’s offensive production should only increase — which is largely spearheaded by Simmons. Whether it’s passing up open shots or running out of options in the paint, there are still some moments where Simmons finds himself in uncomfortable positions offensively. Those moments will gradually decrease over the course of the season.

As the offense improves and Simmons’ comfort level jumps up, we could see his productivity reach historically-relevant levels. He may not set any records in terms of raw counting stats, but he has the ability to average around a double-double while also putting up the occasional triple-double — a level of all-around productivity that few rookies are capable of sustaining.

Lonzo Ball has been dubbed by many as the most triple-double friendly skill set in this year’s rookie class — and his proficiency as a passer and the limited options around him help in a way — but Simmons is equally, albeit differently, talented as a passer, with better dribble penetration, scoring and rebounding than the Lakers’ rook.

Simmons has tallied five assists each in his first two games, which is far from ten, but that’s a number that could spike up on occasion once the offense as a whole improves. A healthy Embiid, fully acclimated Redick and improved Markelle Fultz could all contribute to more assists, while that aforementioned comfort level is likely the biggest key in unlocking that kind of productvity.

Triple-doubles — unless you’re Russell Westbrook — are more of a one-off than a regular occurrence, but it’s the kind of semi-rare achievement that Simmons could chase in the near future given his current skill set. Again, he won’t average one, but it’s the kind of game(s) he’s capable of having.

Next: Should Embiid play back-to-backs?

We’re watching the development of one of the league’s most versatile offensive players, and that’s the kind of bar we should be setting when looking for him to take that next step.