2. Ben Simmons
Since 2017, the 76ers have been dazzled by the captivating talent of Ben Simmons. Additionally, he is a unique athletic specimen. With him running the point, they have made the playoffs each year he has played. Through all of the drama surrounding the Sixers during his time on the team, he has been a highly productive player, distributing passes and collecting assists at a high rate. It comes at a price, though. His development as a scorer is hindered by his reluctance to shoot perimeter shots. Some say his unorthodox style began in college.
As a one-and-done player from LSU, Ben Simmons’ style of play seemed apparent from the jump. He was an open court menace, finishing at the rim with authority and at will. His numbers as a Tiger were impressive. Per game, he averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Surprisingly, he did attempt several 3-pointers and actually made one in college. His ability to finish enhanced his shooting percentage to 56 percent by the time he declared for the NBA Draft.
When he suited up for the Sixers, his game stayed similar to his LSU days, except he was given the green light to run the point. Brett Brown had visions of Simmons becoming the next Magic Johnson. With the amount of triple doubles he collected since his rookie season, Brown was not too far off his assessment.
In his rookie year, Ben Simmons generated easy opportunities for his teammates. As a good point guard is supposed to do, he found his teammates in the best spots for them to be most effective. Whether it was Joel Embiid on the block, or J.J. Redick at the 3-point line, Simmons would place passes where only he could place them. Between his rebounding stats, assist stats, and his countless dunks in transition, he would bring home the NBA Rookie of the Year trophy.
The most astounding fact about Ben Simmons is that he is only going into his fourth playing season, and he is already one of the best passers and ball handlers in 76ers history. What gets Sixer fans more excited for his place on the team is his defensive dedication. This past year, he was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team, leading the entire league in steals per game. Should he start making more shots outside the paint, Ben Simmons could quickly become the most elite guard in the NBA. Philadelphia fans can only hope.