Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons is inventing a new p..."/> Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons is inventing a new p..."/>
The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons: fad or new NBA era?

By Bret Stuter

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 20: Ben Simmons
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 20: Ben Simmons /

Simmons is just another NBA fad

Ben Simmons had an entire year on an NBA bench to observe, strategize, and prepare the court general role for the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the history, the free agents, the turnstile pattern of point guards on the team, the position was always Simmons to earn. The team held the role for a gifted player. Coincidentally, Simmons gifts exceeded the team needs by a mile.

From the moment the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the first pick of the 2016 NBA Draft, both team and player understood the repercussions.  Simmons would fulfill his dream of playing as an NBA point guard. Meanwhile the Philadelphia 76ers just filled the most challenging role on the team with one of the most talented players to ever don an NBA jersey.

Egad, a fad

But he is a fad. Over time, NBA coaches will figure out some way to neutralize his impact.  Certainly if he gets the Philadelphia 76ers to the playoffs this year, his value will elevate enough to place him on the radar scope of the other 29 teams.  Against those odds, someone will figure out a way to neutralize him.  And once that script is written, the remaining 29 teams will simply follow suit.

The problem lies in the “shooting star” trajectory. A rookie who tastes too much success too quickly develops bad patterns and habits.  NBA coaches prey upon those bad decisions, and use them to frustrate the player.  In the case of Simmons, that means he plateaus next season, before a slow regression of lessening significance on this team.