The Sixer Sense
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Roundtable: Thoughts on Ben Simmons’ first month

By Christopher Kline

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to his rebound during a 109-105 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on November 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to his rebound during a 109-105 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on November 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 09: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 9, 2017 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 09: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 9, 2017 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

With 13 games and almost a month of NBA action under his belt, how has Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons fared thus far?

This has been a whirlwind season for the Philadelphia 76ers, with new faces and a lot of young talent coming together at once. Expectations have risen quickly, and for the first time in a long time, the playoffs seem like a genuine possibility.

Those expectations have been met — if not exceeded — through the first month. While a 7-6 record isn’t overly impressive on it’s own, the fact that Philly has fought through youth and inexperience while also handling the second-toughest schedule in the NBA makes that kind of early success a major step in the right direction.

Lots seems to be going in their favor, and talent has stepped up across the board in the process.

One name in particular, though, has shined more than perhaps any other: Ben Simmons. The 2016 No. 1 pick has performed at a bona fide All-Star level, averaging 17.8 points, 9.2 boards and 7.5 assists per game while spearheading the most dynamic Sixers offense in years.

He’s single-handedly improving their execution on that end, and combining that with impressive defensive growth to boot. He’s the prohibitive Rookie of the Year favorite, and already shining in a way even most Sixers fans didn’t expect.

But don’t take it from me. Take it from the staff as a whole, as we here at The Sixer Sense got multiple contributors together — all of whom dished their thoughts on Simmons’ performance thus far, from where he’s thriving to what he needs to improve moving forward.

Enjoy: