2. Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons was ranked by The Sixer Sense as the number two overall player on the team; there was only one dissenting voice (three guesses who…).
It is understandable why Simmons would not garner the top spot in such a ranking. While Ben has all the tools necessary to bring in awards and championships, there are some critical items in his repertoire that need to be addressed – some well noted, and others not.
Lets take a look at some of the strengths and weaknesses of the Young King, and what we can expect from the Sixer star point guard, for the upcoming campaign.
Weaknesses
- Turnovers
There is no shortage of the litany of writings, videos, etc., that exist detailing the star guard’s struggles with turning the ball over. Per possessions owned, Simmons ranked second on the team with a significant percentage of turnovers. This is a problem that is known team wide, and so we won’t belabor the point.
- Jump Shot
If the hot button items regarding Ben’s game isn’t turnovers, it’s shooting. Young King’s inside game is undeniable. He has it all—from insane leaping ability to ferocious dunking skills. Its not quite “Vinsanity,” but its pretty good. Knowing that, Ben hadn’t been all that convinced in the necessity of a jump shot—then the playoffs happened.
Ben was unable to help his team against the Celtics due to that very lack.
However, keep this in mind: Ben is a jump shot away from an MVP ceiling. Big ‘ol facts, folks.
- Poise
Yes—poise is an issue. During the regular season, Ben had no trouble dominating. But when the games counted the most, he just couldn’t deliver. Part of that was the lack of jump shot, as previously mentioned. However, some of it was just inexperience and nerves. We can expect this to be less a factor going forward; however, “how much less?” is still a question in desperate need of an answer.
Strengths
- Playmaking
Ben is a gunslinger with the pass. He can make all the passes needed on the court, and then some. This will be an asset to the Sixers with the addition of consistent offensive pieces like Muscala and Chandler, and the advancement of Saric and Fultz.
- Defense
This author stands by the idea that Simmons will be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, sooner rather than later. The defense should work around Ben’s skills and scheme from there. Simmons can guard all five positions with ease, and that is something that makes him an incredibly valuable and versatile asset.
Season Expectations
Sixer fans should expect to come out of the upcoming season considering if Simmons should have been ranked first.
Ben will lead this team with better poise, and a serviceable jump shot that will help his team compete with the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors.
Also, we should expect Ben to be the second-leading scorer on the team and challenge some triple-double oriented record.
Ben Simmons is going to be a dangerous player, that will turn heads all season.
- 20.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 10.6 APG, 1.8 SPG, 56 FG%, 82 games played