The Sixer Sense
Fansided

If league expansion happens, who should the Sixers keep?

By Christopher Kline

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 9: Robert Covington #33, Markelle Fultz #20 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during practice as part of the 2018 NBA London Global Game at Citysport on January 9, 2018 in London, England. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 9: Robert Covington #33, Markelle Fultz #20 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during practice as part of the 2018 NBA London Global Game at Citysport on January 9, 2018 in London, England. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 30: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of Game One of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 30, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 30: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of Game One of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 30, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

1. Ben Simmons

Simmons might not be the Sixers’ best player right now, but he’s arguably their most important long-term piece. The 22-year-old put together one of the best rookie seasons in NBA history, averaging 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game.

At 6-foot-10, Simmons’ defensive versatility is often undersold. He can legitimately guard all five positions, which can’t be said for many players. He spent time checking Russell Westbrook and Al Horford, offering Brett Brown tons of flexibility with his defensive rotations.

On the offensive end, Simmons is a generational talent. There are very real shades of Magic Johnson in his playmaking, whether it be glitzy dimes in transition or pinpointing an open shooter on the perimeter.

Simmons has a lot of room left to grow offensively, especially with his scoring. He’ll need to develop a semi-functional jumper at some point, while his finishing touch at the rim could stand to improve. Generally speaking, he needs to be more aggressive getting to the rim and looking for his own shot.

Assuming he continues to improve, though, Simmons should quickly elevate into the ranks of the league’s best players. He’s arguably in the top 25 as things currently stand, and top-10 status is within reach.

As the Sixers’ playmaking hub, keeping Simmons on board should be their first priority — an absolute no-brainer.