The Sixer Sense
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Will Ben Simmons take John Wall’s All-Star spot?

WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 18: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers after the game on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 18: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers after the game on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)

With John Wall out, is Ben Simmons set to become the Philadelphia 76ers‘ second All-Star this season?

Ben Simmons had a very real All-Star case, so many Philadelphia 76ers fans were disappointed when his name wasn’t announced with the reserves. John Wall and Kyle Lowry seemed to be his primary opponents in the backcourt, and both of them inevitably made the roster by coach’s decision.

Now, one of them is out of the game. Wall will be sidelined for two months after a knee procedure, which will open up another spot on Team LeBron. Simmons might be the most qualified guard left.

You can make an argument for Andre Drummond here, and deservedly so. If he’s open to adding a frontcourt player instead of another point guard, that could very well be the direction Adam Silver goes. Still, Simmons has produced at a historic level while leading the charge for the Sixers’ offense.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers

That deserves consideration.

Without a reliable scoring mechanism outside of 10 feet, Simmons has shredded opposing defenses when he’s aggressive. He can finish with both hands around the rim while using his impressive blend of athleticism and footwork to find space and get up shots.

He’s also a gifted passer, orchestrating the offense in transition and showing strong instincts in the halfcourt setting. Even when defenders sag off him, he’s able to get to his spots without much resistance. That opens up a lot for him, both as a 6-foot-10 playmaker and a scorer.

Simmons has also been good on defense — like, really good. Most rookies need time to adjust to the NBA’s physicality, but Simmons has fit right in.

He’s quick enough laterally to defend Russell Westbrook and strong enough to bother Giannis Antetokounmpo in the post. Combine that with his instincts in the passing lanes, and you have somebody who’s quickly developing into an elite two-way weapon.

That defensive prowess needs to be considered both here and in the Rookie of the Year race. Drummond has made some massive strides on that side of the ball this season, but Simmons’ versatility is a rare weapon for one of the league’s best defensive units.

In the end, I think Drummond will end up getting the nod. And, again, I think he’s a deserving candidate. But Simmons has made a compelling case, averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game while tallying 1.8 steals and 0.9 blocks.

Next: Does the Griffin trade affect Philly?

The final decision should be announced in the coming days.