Philadelphia 76ers top five players of the month: Top heavy performances

No. 2

Ben Simmons was honorable mention in October’s first player of the week award due to his beginning of the season output. However, It’s clear that as the month progressed, Simmons still has offensive limitations that have put at least a temporary ceiling on his potential. That is part of the reason why he is number two on this list. Still without even attempting a perimeter jump shot, Simmons has the potential to be a top tier point guard in the NBA.

In October he averaged 30.7 minutes, 13.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 0.7 blocks, 1.0 steal, 3.3 fouls and 3.7 turnovers, while shooting 46.3 percent from the floor and 61.1 percent from the foul line. He also had three triple doubles in the month in seven games.

Simmons best game came with his first triple double of the season and the Philadelphia 76ers first win of the season against the Chicago Bulls. In 34 minutes, he had 13 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks, one steal and three turnovers, while making 5-8 on field goal attempts and making all three of his free throw.

There’s no doubt that Simmons is a physically talented player and has a special skill set, however his lack of an outside jump shot is becoming more of an evident Achilles heel early on in the season. Simmons and the Sixers want to take the next step, then he will have to at least start attempting them.