The Sixer Sense
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Processing the Philadelphia 76ers: Is Ben Simmons making the leap?

By Christopher Kline

Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Ben Simmons is off to a strong start in his second NBA season, adding tremendous value on both ends for the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Philadelphia 76ers rebounded from a tough opening night loss with an emphatic win over Chicago at home. Now their attention turns to the Orlando Magic, who enter the game on the second night of a back-to-back.

In the first two games, Ben Simmons was the Sixers’ brightest light.  He’s already showing signs of growth, both offensively and defensively. He’s attacking the lane, finishing with touch, accumulating rebounds and defending at an elite level.

Standing 6-foot-10 with ample athleticism and an otherworldly basketball I.Q., Simmons has the tools to become a top-5 NBA player. That leap requires a jumper, but there’s still room for him to make improvements elsewhere. He’s making those improvements.

Simmons already looks the part of an All-Defense candidate, which is a goal he set before the season. His ability to defend all five positions, lock down ball handlers and make plays off the ball is rare. He’s doing that while averaging 14 rebounds through two games.

Offensively, Simmons is the same assist magnet he was last season. But he’s also doing more as a scorer, finding ways to get mismatches in the post and attack. If he can start finishing more consistently with his left hand, the potential is limitless.

Joel Embiid is still the Sixers’ best player. That fact is inarguable. But Simmons has the tools and versatility to steal that crown eventually, especially in an NBA that favors players in his mold.

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With a projected return date around Christmas, the reigning 16th overall pick can still contribute to the Sixers this season. His on-ball defense and versatility are two traits that would benefit the second unit, and Hyrn outlines a few goals for the rook.

SAUCE CASTILLO. Stauskas went off in the Blazers’ season-opening win over the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 24 points in 27 minutes. After bouncing around the league and dealing with self doubt, he’s ready to flourish in his new home. A great read on a forever Sixer from Quick.

To build on the points made above, Ben Simmons is very, very, very good at defense. He’s coming for that first team All-Defense nomination, NBA.

Your reminder that Markelle Fultz hit a 3-point jump shot Thursday night. Andrews details the crowd reaction, what Fultz said after the game, and dives into Simmons’ excellence alongside Fultz.

The Celtics were thorough in their defeat of the Sixers on opening night, controlling the game in every facet. Their defense on Embiid, however, stood out as a primary reason for that success. Poor spacing hurt the Sixers, but Horford and Baynes got the best of Embiid on multiple occasions. Levy dives into the stats behind their defensive brilliance.

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Processing the Philadelphia 76ers will be back next Wednesday.