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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 20: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 20: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Jason Blevins

I watched virtually every televised game Ben Simmons played at LSU. I have written at length that Ben Simmons had all of the indicators and diversity of skill sets to make him rookie of the year this year. I was a huge fan of the 2017 draft class, but none of the players to me carried the unique potential of Ben Simmons. Over the first 13 games of the season, Simmons has not looked at all like a rookie. His game is so mature that many are questioning, as they did last season with Embiid, wether a player who had a redshirt year should truly be considered a rookie.

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What stood out when watching Ben at LSU was his rare combination of size and vision. In the NBA he has proven those abilities translate but also he has become a far more prolific scorer and defender than anyone could have reasonably guessed from his NCAA stint. Most rookies are clueless on the defensive end, and Simmons seemed disinterested on that end in college. He has stepped in to the Sixers rotation and been a leader on both ends of the floor. While not an all NBA defensive player, he has been at least above average.

Moreso than a simple qualitative statement like average or above average, what Simmons has shown is true defensive versatility. He can credibly defend position one through four and even presents enough size when switched onto a center that no one will scream ”mouse in the house!” He is attacking passing lanes and turning steals into easy buckets in transition.

Which brings me to his offensive game. Is Ben Simmons right handed? in the past few games Simmons has started throwing little baby hook/runner/floater/jumpers with his right hand. He already tends to finish right handed so this development is interest. Personally I think he is naturally ambidextrous which may increase his time to develop touch and feel in his jumpshot but has the benefit of allowing him advanced handles, vision and passing. I do think that he will develop his perimeter game to the point where he can at least attempt a three eventually.

In all, Simmons is a rare player who looks every bit of the second star the Sixers need.