Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: The Best And Worst Case Pro-Comparisons For Young Players

By George Kondoleon

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
Philadelphia 76ers
Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Golden State won the game 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Ben Simmons

Best Case Scenario: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Worst Case Scenario: Tyreke Evans

Many may have been waiting for a LeBron James-Ben Simmons comparison, as heard many times previously. The fact is, Ben Simmons will never be able to develop the game-changing defensive prowess that James holds. Giannis Antetokoumpo and Ben Simmons have eerily similar games, and although the Greek-Freak is still finding his own game, the Philadelphia 76ers would be ecstatic if Ben Simmons can consistently do what Antetokoumpo did in the second half of last season.

Simmons and Antetokoumpo are both point forwards that show freakish ability to handle the ball at their height. They are the new wave of NBA powerhouses, creating matchup problems for most teams on defense. Simmons is a much better passer, and Antetokoumpo is more serviceable on defense, but the two show an incredible amount of speed with the ball and the ability to control the offense.

More from Philadelphia 76ers

Antetokoumpo at this point isn’t a full-fledged star, but he’s all-star caliber and the Philadelphia 76ers will be more than happy to see Ben Simmons become a triple-double machine.

Now, if Simmons doesn’t pan out, expect to see something similar to New Orleans Pelicans Tyreke Evans role-wise. Evans has a completely different game, as he can somewhat hit the outside shot when healthy. But Evans does have some role in maintaining the offense, but his main role is as a wing passer looking to get the ball to Anthony Davis.

Surely, the Philadelphia 76ers would be looking for more from Ben Simmons, but with a high-ceiling often comes a low-floor. Ben Simmons being right around the middle of these comparisons for his career would still be disappointing, but at least he could make an impact for a winning team without reaching his best-case comparison.

Next: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot