Anfernee Simons was supposed to be the answer to the Philadelphia 76ers' bench struggles, but he hasn't lived up to the hype. The Sixers need Simons to be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, or their championship hopes will end quickly. Before scouring the trade market to uncover an effective secondary option, Nick Nurse should give Labaron Philon Jr. a fair audition.
When the 76ers acquired Simons in the offseason, it caused a stir of excitement, especially after the franchise announced the additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to the roster. The 27-year-old was heralded as the perfect impact bench option for Philadelphia, but he has not lived up to the hype.
Simons has made all 12 of his appearances off the bench this season, averaging 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, shooting 39.8 percent from the floor. However, the former Portland Trailblazer has recorded 39.1 percent from deep, proving he is capable of contributing under the right conditions, but his performances have yet to show consistency.
With that being said, the 76ers shouldn't abandon hope that Simons will improve. Yet, it should push them towards giving Philon Jr. a chance in the rotation.
Philon Jr can become more than just a spot-up shooter
Simons' attributes limit how Nick Nurse can utilize him. By comparison, Philon showed during his time in college that his potential will allow him to assume several roles in Philadelphia. In his final year in Alabama, his playmaking vastly improved alongside his scoring and 3-point shooting. His versatility became one of his most attractive assets.
Philon Jr. averaged 22 points, 5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 50.1 percent from the floor and 39.9 percent from deep. In any other draft class, the 20-year-old would have arguably been a top-10 selection, yet the 76ers' head coach has given Philon a minimal role in the rotation.
It's an understandable approach given the high level of talent on the roster, but each time he has been given an opportunity, Philon has impressed. During the Sixers' humbling 123-101 defeat to the Boston Celtics, he recorded 3 assists in just 6 minutes of action. It's undoubtedly a small sample size; however, Philon has shown fearless traits and can make a positive impact, despite his inexperience.
Nurse's greatest difficulty would be finding an effective role for Philon when playing alongside the likes of LeBron, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown, who will take offensive priority when he is on the floor. Philon has yet to prove he can thrive as an off-ball scorer. Not because he is unable, but because his head coach hasn't given him the opportunity.
Regardless of his inexperience, Philon deserves more minutes on the floor amid Simons' struggles. This wouldn't just benefit the rookie; it would give Simons some breathing room to improve his form. If the 76ers don't have an effective secondary option heading into the postseason, their championship tilt will end quickly.
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