The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers 2017-18 season report cards

By Rusty Gorelick

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
15 of 16
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 07: Philadelphia 76ers Guard Ben Simmons (25) dunks in the second half during the Eastern Conference Semifinal Game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on May 07, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 07: Philadelphia 76ers Guard Ben Simmons (25) dunks in the second half during the Eastern Conference Semifinal Game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on May 07, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Ben Simmons

Season stats: 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.9 blocks, 54.5% FG, 0% 3PT, 56% FT

Grade: A

Ben Simmons really is a gift from the Basketball gods. In just his first season, he established himself as arguably the best passer in the league, one of the most well-rounded players in the league, and potentially a combination of Magic Johnson and LeBron James.

He led the team in win shares, assists, steals (tied with Covington), victories over replacement player, box plus-minus, and minutes played. So, statistically, he might be as valuable to the Sixers on the court as Joel Embiid, and he probably should have received more acknowledgment in the All-Defense team voting.

There are only two flaws: that jump shot, if you can even call it a jump shot, and his one-point playoff performance. Everyone who does not live under a rock knew the jumper would give him a hard time, and that has to be his primary focus this summer.

And regarding his one-point game against Boston in the second round, it’s important to remember that he’s a rookie. Basically every rookie struggles, and it’s better for him to learn from that experience as a 21-year-old with tons of championship opportunities ahead of him.

Simmons also struggled to mesh with Joel Embiid in the beginning of the season, but once Brett Brown decided to use the Big Fella in the low post rather than at the top of the key, the floor opened up for the Fresh Prince to make plays, and Embiid had more opportunities to isolate defenders on the block.

Even though he did not technically make the All-Star game, the Aussie played a major part in the Sixers’ success this season, and his Rookie of the Year-caliber year revealed that even without a jumper, he still has limitless potential. If he learns to hit shots outside of ten feet, he could end up as the best point guard of all time once his career ends.