The Sixer Sense
Fansided

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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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 13: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempts to box out the LA Clippers on November 13, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 13: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempts to box out the LA Clippers on November 13, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jason Dandy

Before the season began, the 2017 NBA rookie class voted amongst themselves on who they believed would win rookie of the year.  Ben Simmons did not receive a single vote in said poll.  When asked about how he felt after being seemingly forgotten by his fellow rookies, Simmons put the league on notice, promising “They’ll remember, they’ll remember.”  After 12 games, the rest of the class most certainly remembers why Simmons was the number one pick of the 2016 NBA draft.

Averaging 17.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game thus far, Simmons has turned what was supposed to be one of the most competitive rookie of the year races into a one-man contest.  Not only has Simmons been impressive by rookie standards, he’s shown that he is already capable of competing with the best talent the league has to offer.

Already with two triple-doubles to his name, Simmons became the quickest to achieve that accomplishment twice in NBA history.  He is a threat to get one every game he plays in because of the versatility he brings to the 76ers.  His playmaking has been comparable to a player that has been in the league for years, and his quickness for his size creates matchup nightmares for opponents.

He still may not have a consistent jump shot, but it has been at least serviceable to this point.  He has yet to shoot a three-point jump shot, but he is shooting 35.7 percent on mid-range jumpers.

Overall, Simmons has proven that he is capable of handling a large workload from the jump, and has led this 76ers team to play competitive basketball for the first time in four years.