The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Where Ben Simmons ranks among all starting point guards

By Christopher Kline

Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics | Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics | Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

9. Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets

Walker remains one of the league’s most underrated stars, wasting away on a Hornets team destined for NBA purgatory. Charlotte isn’t inclined to trade him and they aren’t committing to a rebuild, which doesn’t bode well for the franchise’s future given their current cap situation.

Nonetheless, Walker is an elite three-level scorer who will be in the All-Star conversation every year. Expect him to continue his upward trajectory next season.

8. John Wall, Washington Wizards

The Wizards would be wise to rebuild, but Wall (and Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter Jr.) are all tied up long-term and entering their primes. That means the 27-year-old will once again be at the center of a Washington playoff run.

When healthy, Wall is one of the league’s best passers, using his quick first step to get dribble penetration and dissect defenses. And while he isn’t an elite three-point shooter, Wall has added some range and variety to his scoring profile. He’s a perennial All-Star at this point.

7. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors

Lowry joins Walker as one of the most underrated stars in the NBA. He has been the Raptors’ best player for a while now, playing solid defense and acting as their glue on offense. His playmaking and efficiency were staples of their success under the now-departed Dwane Casey.

As an ideal co-pilot next to Kawhi Leonard, Lowry will be in the All-Star conversation once again in 2018-19. The Raptors should be in contention for the No. 1 seed — and eventually the conference title — as well.