How will Doc Rivers use Ben Simmons offensively: Point forward
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Technically, if the Sixers do manage to get a point guard, then Simmons would be listed as a power forward. However, his skills would make him more of a point forward like LeBron James, Hedo Turkoglu, and Lamar Odom.
That being said, based on Simmons physical gifts and his ability to finish at the rim, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rivers would use him in a similar fashion like he used to use Blake Griffin. When healthy, Griffin’s one of the top power forwards in the NBA and Simmons could be on that same level.
Granted when Griffin was a young player under Rivers, his playmaking skills weren’t where they are now. With that in mind, Rivers didn’t initially use Griffin as a playmaker in the half-court. He used his ability to score at the basket in the pick-and-roll. In a very limited sample size, Simmons has shown to be a great finisher as a roll man so that role would suit him well.
When Griffin did develop playmaking skills, Rivers used him to initiate the offense at the top of the key. Considering that Simmons is already one of the best playmakers in the NBA, it would be foolish not to use him in a similar fashion.
Offseason moves will dictator what position Simmons will be playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, but regardless of the position, Rivers has a blue print to how he can use the All-Star at either position