The Sixer Sense
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LeBron James “(Simmons Triple Double) is the first of many for him”

By Bret Stuter

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 31: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives around LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on March 31, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 31: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives around LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on March 31, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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After Philadelphia 76ers point forward Ben Simmons posted his first triple-double in just his fourth NBA game, Cavaliers elite forward LeBron James commented “it’s the first of many for him”

LeBron James is a standout elite basketball player. Wherever he goes, the team makes the playoffs. You see, he knows how to play the game. He also knows how to assemble a winning NBA team. Since traveling to the Miami Heat to win a championship with friends Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, LeBron has been very proactive about speaking up on behalf of who he wants to play with.  He is associated with winning in the NBA. So for the past several years, he hasn’t been often linked to the Philadelphia 76ers.

So he is often sought out to add commentary about current events, politics, culture, and even fashion. But he is in his element when he comments about the NBA. And he is particularly fond of the Philadelphia 76ers point forward Ben Simmons. So when Simmons recorded a triple double against the Detroit Pistons, naturally someone pointed a microphone towards LeBron and asked him to comment.

LeBron comments on Simmons’ achievement

That someone is ESPN staff writer Dave McMenamin, and what follows is a priceless commentary Philadelphia 76ers fans need to read:

"“It’s the first of many for him. He’s a triple threat, ability to score in transition, rebound and pass the ball. His passing is his best quality and high basketball IQ. So, it’s the first of many triple-doubles for the young guy.” – per Dave McMenamin, ESPN Staff Writer"

LeBron James, in the act of recognizing Ben Simmons’ accomplishment, also serves as a vanguard to the young man.  If LeBron says he’s good, who dares to say otherwise? And LeBron has a deeply rooted connection to Ben Simmons.  Is that connection enough to bring LeBron to the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent? Perhaps. He has moved to play with “his” players before, and he could see the chance to play in Philly as his last stand to mentor the next generation of basketball players.  It’s a story worth monitoring over the course of this season.

Back to the Philly at hand

Now keep in mind that the Philadelphia 76ers are 1-3. You can also recall that this team is a mixed bag of optimism and pessimism. It’s tough to get a read on the team with playoff aspirations, but whose plan to get there is to grow into that role.  The Philadelphia 76ers, led by center Joel Embiid and forward Ben Simmons is not going to dominate the NBA in 2017. But come 2018? The team will likely be playing some great basketball then.

Will it be enough to get them to the playoffs?

So far so good. Last season the team lost seven games before notching one victory. The team stood at 2-10 before recording back to back wins. In the end, the team ended 2016 at 8-24.  Will it happen this season?  Well, after a particularly difficult two-week stretch to start the season, the team gets some relief.   By the end of November 2017, the team could be playing just under .500 at 9-13. But by the end of December 2017, the team should be above .500 and improving.

Next: Markelle Fultz’s shoulder injury is worse than expected

With Simmons popping triple doubles and Joel Embiid dominating at the post, this season will not be like any previously. How can I say that so confidently?  LeBron notices the Philadelphia 76ers this year. And that too will be the first of many.