The Philadelphia 76ers are in the midst of a rebuild, but they are still struggling to find their identity. Ben Simmons is one of the most talented players in the league, but he has yet to live up to expectations.
The where is ben simmons from is a question that has been asked for quite some time. Ben Simmons’ situation in Philadelphia has made people forget his remarkable talent and potential.
In Philadelphia, Ben Simmons’ position is now officially bleak. There is no possibility of the 76ers and their former No. 1 selection reconciling their differences. Too much has occurred between Simmons and Joel Embiid, another franchise talent. Even Philadelphia’s head coach, Doc Rivers, hasn’t defended the former LSU standout. But, among all of the rumors and controversy, it’s easy to forget that Simmons is a fantastic basketball player.
It’s uncommon to find a 6-foot-10 point guard who can both facilitate and play all-NBA defense. Simmons is big, long, powerful, agile, and versatile, and he can set up other players for shots. Since his entry into the NBA in 2016, none of those qualities have vanished.
The Ben Simmons-Philadelphia 76ers issue has now reached a point of no return.
During the second half of game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers defends Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks. Getty Images/Kevin C. Cox
It all began in game 7 of Philadelphia’s Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Atlanta Hawks, when Simmons missed a wide-open dunk. Simmons soared past Atlanta’s Danilo Gallinari with a nifty spin move. The game would have been tied at 88 if he had completed the play and scored. Simmons instead threw the ball to teammate Matisse Thybulle, who was fouled and went 1-for-2 from the line. The Sixers were ultimately ousted from the playoffs after losing.
According to SI.com, teammate Joel Embiid, who has suddenly become the face of the club after receiving a max contract deal, didn’t hesitate to criticize his teammate after the loss:
“I’ll be honest; I felt the turning moment was when we—I don’t know how to put it—but we had an open shot and we hit one free throw and missed the other, and then they came down and scored. On the other hand, we didn’t obtain a decent possession.”
Ben Simmons missed a wide-open dunk in game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks, according to Joel Embiid.
During the final halves of the seven-game series, Simmons attempted three shots. To recap: three total field-goal attempts in seven fourth quarters in a playoff series.
Simmons’ relationship with the club has allegedly deteriorated to the point that he is ready to sit out training camp for the 2021-22 season if the team does not move him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FHKMeGm 54
The 6-10, 240-pound point guard was the class of 2015’s top high school recruit. After one season at LSU, he was selected first overall in the 2016 draft. For more than six years, Simmons’ pedigree has been clear.
Because of his mix of height and agility, as well as his excellent basketball IQ and court vision, he was dubbed one of this generation’s “unicorns.” He was likened to LeBron James because of his physical characteristics and playmaking abilities. He was already regarded as a potential all-NBA defender and rebounder. It was drool-worthy to imagine someone of Simmons’ height and agility snatching a rebound and sprinting coast-to-coast to find an open teammate.
Simmons isn’t a go-to scorer, but he’s also not a defensive liability. He averages 15.9 points per game in his career. His playmaking and rebounding have also translated, as demonstrated by his first four seasons’ per-game averages of 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists. (Due to a foot ailment, he missed his debut season in the league.) So far in his career, he’s shot 56.0 percent from the field, although on just 11.6 attempts per game.
Simmons was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2017-18, has been in three all-star games, and has twice been selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team. In 2019-20, he was named to the NBA’s Third Team.
Simmons hasn’t shrunk any more. He hasn’t lost any of his athletic ability. His ability to make plays hasn’t gone away, and neither has his ability to rebound. He’s been one of the league’s best defenders since his debut, and his stature allows him to defend all five spots. So, why is he now regarded as a below-average player with little or no trade value?
Ben Simmons needs to leave Philadelphia in order to remind people of his basketball ability.
The situation with the Sixers for the former Tiger is unsustainable. Embiid has never been a good match for either player. Simmons isn’t a natural scorer and doesn’t have the ability to spread the floor. He and Embiid both like to play close to the hoop, which isn’t ideal in today’s NBA. In Philadelphia, Simmons seems to have acquired a mental block. He needs a change of scenery, one that is more suited to his abilities.
In trade speculations, Simmons has been connected to the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Sacramento Kings. The LSU product wouldn’t be a good match with the Warriors’ Draymond Green since they have similar skill sets. Sacramento seems more intriguing, but it all hinges on what the Kings would have to give up in a trade. Simmons may be a valuable defensive asset for the club.
In Minnesota, his pairing with Karl-Anthony Towns is arguably the most interesting, as Towns is an athletic center who can spread the floor and allow Simmons to operate and locate open shots. However, D’Angelo Russell’s ball-hogging habits make things a little more complicated.
A squad must be built around Simmons’ greatest qualities in order for him to achieve his maximum potential. In a high-tempo offensive system surrounded by shooters, he must be able to utilize his height, defense, and playmaking skills. To make that work, he may need to wind up with a rebuilding club, such as in San Antonio. Someone with his playmaking and defensive flexibility would be a good match in Portland with Damian Lillard.
The intrigue surrounding Simmons and the Sixers has reached a fever pitch. However, if the 25-year-old can move out of Philadelphia and into a better environment, the skills that made him one of the most highly sought draft choices in the 2010s may come back to life. Simmons’ skill, versatility, and value will be remembered by everyone.
Basketball-Reference provided all statistics.
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