Philadelphia 76ers: 5 implications of Ben Simmons at power forward

1. Shake n’ Bake on the perimeter

The absolute biggest implication of Simmons’ move to power forward is the man “replacing” him at point guard — Malik Benjamin Milton. Is it a coincidence both Ben and Shake share the name Benjamin? I think not.

This move will have the most direct impact on the Sixers’ ability to compete for a championship. If Milton can recapture his pre-shutdown magic, the Sixers are bona fide contenders. He’s not only a top-shelf shooter, but a wildly underrated passer. He’s smart, poised, and in my view, ready for the spotlight.

Milton and the Sixers’ impending reliance on the pick-and-roll go hand-in-hand. He’s the most comfortable pick-and-roll ball-handler on the roster, and his ability to patiently probe defenses, locate open teammates, and hit pull-up jumpers will greatly benefit a sometimes stagnant halfcourt offense.

There’s also the general benefit of adding another capable passer to the starting five — and more importantly, one who can help break down defenses. While the Sixers have always had talent, it’s difficult to function offensively when there’s only one consistent playmaker in the starting five. It’s even harder when that one playmaker won’t shoot and the only isolation scorer on the roster is a back-to-the-basket center.

Milton is no Kemba Walker. He’s not the twitchiest athlete on the block, and he’s not someone who will score a ton of isolation points to buoy an offense. But as a smart playmaker who can split the playmaking load with Simmons, he’s invaluable. He’s the point guard of the future, and one of the most intriguing building blocks in the NBA — even if he’s still largely unproven.

This could go a number of ways. Milton could fall back to earth in dramatic fashion, or he could flourish, establishing himself as the Sixers’ next budding star in the process. There has been much debate over the sustainability of Milton’s production before the break. The early reviews from Orlando are positive, however, and there’s reason to buy stock.