2. Ben Simmons
Before Doc Rivers became head coach for the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and now the Philadelphia 76ers, he played in the NBA. He played point guard, most notably for the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks. He was a solid floor leader, who at one point averaged ten assists per game, playing alongside Dominique Wilkins and Kevin Willis in the 80s. He also played with Patrick Ewing as a Knick. His responsibility back then is much the same as what Ben Simmons is expected to do with the Sixers. How will Doc Rivers’ experience as a point guard help Simmons become the best version of himself?
Doc Rivers knows what it’s like to be responsible for a team’s offensive flow. Getting the ball to Dominique Wilkins on a fast break, or Patrick Ewing in the post were his primary duties during his playing days. Therefore, he should be able to connect with Simmons on a level of mutual interest. Sharing his personal accounts of feeding the ball to Hall of Fame players to maximize the team’s offensive production should come easy for Rivers. Giving his version of what it means to be a pass-first point guard should be well received by Simmons because Rivers held the same position.
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From a coaching perspective, other point guards who Rivers has coached is another bright spot where Simmons and Rivers’ mentalities can intersect. As Doc Rivers speaks about the tendencies of Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo as floor leaders, Simmons better open his ears. Although Simmons has athletic gifts that Rondo and Paul lack, Doc Rivers understands that the point guard position has more to do with a cerebral application than a physical approach, which brings us to shooting.
Last year, Simmons dipped his toes in the 3-point waters. Will Doc Rivers encourage Simmons to dive headfirst into shooting behind the arc? With all of the shooters Daryl Morey has brought in, it seems unlikely the head coach will lean on Simmons to make this a permanent part of his game. However, it is more practical to ask Simmons to develop a mid-range game and begin taking pull-up jumpers.
In Boston, Rondo had never been known for his perimeter shooting, much like Simmons. However, Rivers supported the idea of the former Celtics point guard taking open shots when they were available. The question is what will happen if Simmons does not respond to such encouragement from Rivers?
If the Sixers are to advance to the next level, and truly become a contender, Simmons’ play as point guard is essential. The ability for a new coach to challenge Simmons in a way that does not alienate him will probably be the biggest story this year for the Sixers. Brett Brown, unfortunately, was unable to persuade Simmons to be a more consistent perimeter shooter. Perhaps Doc Rivers has what it takes to unlock that aspect to Simmons’ game.