Do Philadelphia 76ers know Ben Simmons’ value?
By Bret Stuter
Stop with the point forward
The argument before Ben Simmons arrived to the NBA was that he could no way defend a guard. The narrative swore again and again that Ben Simmons would play a point forward role, and that when a starting lineup formed around him, the team would place two guards and two bigs out there with him. Only the team didn’t.
When Simmons is on the court, he starts the game with Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, Robert Covington and J.J. Redick. Of that group, only Redick is a guard. The other guard? Simmons. And that’s the way it is, and the way it’s been all season long.
Timing is everything
If there is a debate to discuss, do it in the off-season. Planning on changing the lineup? Off-season as well. There is no matter so great as to introduce it now. The Philadelphia 76ers are not only fighting for a playoff spot, but can achieve a three or four seed if they remain focused and play to their capabilities. Opening a debate for Ben Simmons playing the four now makes as much sense as debating Joel Embiid to the four. Or Dario Saric to the two. Why now?
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The Philadelphia 76ers are young, developing, and a far cry from perfect. We all know the team has too many turnovers, too many personal fouls, and is far too inconsistent to threaten for an NBA championship. But the team has already won as many games as the two previous seasons combined. That is with a rookie point guard. And it includes practically no contribution of the top-pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. Let’s put this season in the rear view mirror before screwing with the stars who got the team here, please?