Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons is inventing a new p..."/> Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons is inventing a new p..."/>
The Sixer Sense
Fansided

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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SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 29: JaKarr Sampson
SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 29: JaKarr Sampson /

Era it is

The fact is that the Philadelphia 76ers had no way of knowing Ben Simmons would be available to them. But they knew someone like him would come along. In fact, the team had already begun to develop 6-foot-9 220 pound Jakarr Sampson in a point guard role years before Simmons arrived to the NBA.  That resulted in Sampson signing over to the Denver Nuggets after the 76ers had to waive him enroute to a potential NBA trade.

The name is not important, and that’s the true test of fad versus era.  Ben Simmons, as uniquely gifted as he is, merely was the ideal fit for a scheme that the Philadelphia 76ers had already developed. These 76ers have both Joel Embiid, Robert Covington and  Dario Saric, all of whom hold enough versatility to enable the Sixers to play either at virtually any position.

Tall Ball is the new NBA era

The Philadelphia 76ers are onto something folks.  The entire time under Sam Hinkie, he sought big players with uncanny ball skills. It’s not a mistake or misguided efforts. The next evolution for the NBA is to infuse height into a roster coupled with ball skills.  No more big bodies smashing under the basket.  The new NBA model will highlight players like Anthony Davis, Karl Anthony Towns, Kristpas Porzingis, Joel Embiid, and now, Ben Simmons.  Now that’s not to say its exclusive to players of 6-foot-9 or over. But the teams which identify and harness height get the jump on the rest of the league.

Next: GAME RECAP: Philadelphia 76ers dominate Orlando Magic 130-111

Patience and commitment.  Much like the Warriors, these Philadelphia 76ers will not know instant ultimate success. But with a season already opening up with an 11-7 record, this team is well on it’s way to the playoffs this year. Perhaps that is reason enough for teams to sit up and take notice. You see, this was not the advent of Ben Simmons into the NBA. This new era was the brainchild of executive Sam Hinkie and coach Brett Brown all along. In the end, it was a team which already had a place for a Simmons-like player.  Welcome to the new NBA fans.