It is well known if you’re a part of the Philadelphia fan base there are mixed opinions on Ben Simmons. Some people love him, some people hate him but there is no denying the unique once in a lifetime talent Simmons has the chance to be. Ben Simmons has all the potential in the world and there have been so many glimpses in his first 4 years in the league. He just is not yet a complete player, and nor should he be at 24 years old.
Simmons plays stellar defense and that should not be forgotten in any discussion of Ben Simmons’ ability. He is a great passer and has really improved from the free-throw line increasing his free throw percentage from 56% his rookie year to 66% so far this year.
The Sixers in recent history have been extremely defense-oriented which a lot of the time has covered up the major roster flaws. After a strong start to the season, the Sixers are in the top of the NBA in multiple defensive categories.
The Sixers are now in a position that they need to win, age should no longer be an excuse.
Ben Simmons is actually off to a pretty good start to the season, averaging almost 13 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds per game. The knock has been and hopefully will not always be that Simmons has been the same player since his debut in 2017 and for the most part, it’s true. The good and the bad of Ben Simmons were on full display on Saturday night against the Pistons.
Simmons put on a clinic in the 4th quarter against the Pistons, which is exactly why he is so frustrating. Simmons was almost non-existent in the first three-quarters of the game, which seems to happen quite frequently. The Sixers superstar seems to disappear in games sometimes, he gets passive. Forget about the jump shot, Simmons just needs to be aggressive if the Sixers have any realistic chance in a Finals appearance this year.
Simmons’ counterpart and fellow superstar Joel Embiid is pulling his weight on offense and it’s time Ben Simmons does the same. Simmons is paid handsomely and deservingly so. He needs to prove to the Sixers and the NBA that he is more than just a defensive specialist and a great passer.
Photo via Adam Hunger (The Sixers Sense)
