Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons needs to be more assertive on offense

The Philadelphia 76ers need Ben Simmons to make his presence felt on a consistent basis.

To a certain extent, the 2018-19 Philadelphia 76ers season has been a disappointment for Ben Simmons. Through 18 games, the reigning Rookie of the Year is averaging 14.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game and shooting 52.9 percent from the field.

While Simmons continues to log heavy minutes and impressive stat lines, he hasn’t made the noticeable leap most pundits expected coming into the season. Without a reliable jumper, the issues that plagued him as a rookie are continuing to show up.

It’s important, of course, to put these concerns in context. Simmons is an All-Star talent with elite physical gifts, burning defenses with his 6-foot-10 frame, blazing speed and impressive passing acumen. He’s not bad, or anything close to it.

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The issue lies with Simmons’ approach to the game. He’s often too passive, deferring to teammates and struggling to make an impact in the halfcourt. Those issues were more pronounced in his first couple games next to Jimmy Butler.

Against the Hornets, Simmons might have broken that slump. He posted arguably his best game of the season, scoring 23 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. He even shot 9-11 from the free throw line, embracing contact and having his way around the rim.

Moving forward, the Sixers need Simmons to have that mindset on a regular basis. Whether it’s his own production or aiding his fit next to Butler and Embiid, a more aggressive Simmons will have benefits.

Another season into his career, Simmons is still dealing with turnover issues. He lacks decisiveness, especially in the halfcourt. At times, he will pick up his dribble early, allowing defenses to deny passing lanes and, in the words of Marc Zumoff, lock all windows and doors. Just keeping a live dribble will help.

In transition, Simmons has the physical tools to be one of the NBA’s most dynamic playmakers. Putting his head down and looking to score at the rim will force defenders to alter their focus, in turn opening up more passing lanes. Simmons should embrace his size, strength and improved free throw mechanics. Get to the rim every time, and things become much easier.

The same argument can be made in the halfcourt, where Simmons often gets pushed to the periphery due to his unwillingness to shoot. When he’s the ball handler, looking to attack the rim and score forces the defense to collapse. When he’s off the ball, setting hard screens and making strong cuts will create more scoring opportunities, both for himself and others.

Simmons is still raw in many facets. He won’t reach his ceiling without, at the very least, a passable mid-range jumper. Improving his finishing is almost a must given his size and athleticism. Adding more touch would vastly improve his scoring threat.

Even with his deficiencies, though, Simmons should be the Sixers’ offensive hub — getting in the lane, whipping passes around and putting constant pressure on the rim. He’s too good not to put defenses into a frenzy every night.

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The Sixers’ best version includes a more dynamic (more aggressive) Simmons. One who’s looking to impact the game both with and without the ball. Assertiveness is key.