Trusting the Process: Point Guard Ben Simmons
He stands 6–10 but moves like he is six inches shorter. He handles the ball with the best of them and is a coast-to-coast threat anytime he grabs a rebound. He’s looked at as cornerstone player for a franchise and a country.
His name is Ben Simmons and it’s time for Philadelphia to hand him the keys to the Process.
The Process, as many call it, led the 76ers down a five-year road of struggle, but exciting times in the lottery. This past June, Philadelphia traded away their №3 pick to Boston to select point guard Markelle Fultz at №1.
The question immediately arose: who would be the team’s starting point guard? Simmons made his intentions clear during a summer league game.
“I think you can move me anywhere. But I’m a starting point guard,” Simmons said.
Although Fultz is shorter, at 6–5, having Simmons as the primary ball handler is the smartest move for multiple reasons. When pairing Fultz and Simmons in the backcourt, the two will play to each others strengths.
Fultz is a scoring combo guard who shot 41 percent from deep last season. Despite averaging 5.9 assists, Fultz was the offense for the Huskies with a 31.3 usage rate (ranking him inside the top-40 in all of college basketball). In Philadelphia, Fultz won’t have to create opportunities for others. A role more suitable for his game at the NBA level would be similar to C.J. McCullom’s in Portland where’s he’s called upon to get buckets.
As for Simmons, the Australian put on a show last Summer League with his passing. No-look bounce passes, no big deal for Simmons. Although he averaged less assists (4.8) in college than Fultz, his skill and court vision is more advanced. Factor in, his biggest weakness is shooting, so placing him off the ball would positively affect the 76ers spacing.
After sitting a season due to injury, Simmons had time to improve his game. But, take this video with a grain of salt. Sure Summer workout videos are some of the best. Yet clearly, shooting in an empty gym with nobody to contest the shot, it is not surprising a NBA player would hit the majority. But, this is besides the point.
With Simmons running the show, shooters will be at his disposal to maximize his success. Fultz, newly-acquried J.J. Redick and Dario Saric/Robert Covington gives Simmons three shooters on the floor with him. Don’t forget about the man that calls himself “The Process” in Joel Embiid, who shot 36 percent from downtown last year. Simmons and Embiid could be a dynamic pick-and-roll/pop duo with their athleticism and skill.
The great T.J. McConnell led Philadelphia in assists last season with 6.6 per game. At the least, Simmons should match that average— but for many Sixer fans, an increase is expected.
With the offense playing positionless basketball, it should be interesting to see how Philly matches up on defense. Obviously, Simmons won’t guard the other team’s point guard, as that duty will be assigned to Fultz. Starting Covington alongside Simmons makes the most sense.
Covington would play the role of three-and-D in the lineup, allowing Simmons to focus more of his energy on offense. Covington, who finished fourth for Defensive Player of the Year, would guard the opposition’s best perimeter player. With a rim protector like Embiid in the paint, Simmons will have help if exposed.
The Process is nearly complete. With a weakened Eastern Conference, this could be the year the 76ers end their half-decade playoff drought. As for Simmons, the Aussie is among the favorites for Rookie of the Year after sitting out all of last season.
Somewhere Sam Hinkie is smiling.
