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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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 18: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2017 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. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 18: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2017 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. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Rusty Gorelick

Ben Simmons has clearly exceeded expectations so far this season. He leads the race for the Rookie of the Year award and no other player comes close. He doesn’t look like a rookie at all. His innate feel for the game makes him look like a veteran point guard, and his handles, for someone standing at 6-foot-10, make him look like a taller Allen Iverson at some points.

That may be an exaggeration, but at the very least, he resembles a taller version of prime Rajon Rondo, and he has just 13 games under his belt. Simmons always finds a way to contribute: if his shots aren’t falling, he’ll tear up a defense with his vision. If the passes aren’t there, he attacks the basket without hesitation. We knew his rebounding would be above the NBA average before he even got to the league, and he has not disappointed in that category. His defensive effort and ability to guard in the paint and on the perimeter has made him an almost complete player.

If he can keep up this level of play, Rookie of the Year will certainly be his, and in an Eastern Conference that lacks the talent of previous seasons, he could end up in the All-Star Game. Other than getting a jump shot, there’s not much more he can possibly do. On the subject of his jumper, it’s encouraging that he has the confidence to pull up from mid-range a few times per game. Once the offseason comes around and he has plenty of time to work on it, teams should be truly frightened of him when they face the Sixers.