Sixers: Ben Simmons stands as the most important player to this rebuild
The Sixers have three stars that could potentially blossom into top-tier players, but one’s rise (or fall) will have more of an impact.
It’s easy to forget just how special Ben Simmons can truly be. Maybe it’s the Jones fracture that kept him out last season. Or the roller coaster ride Joel Embiid put the Sixers through last season. But what shouldn’t be forgotten is that Simmons must grow into this organization’s star for the rebuild to succeed near its maximum potential.
Markelle Fultz and Embiid aren’t just some throw-ins. Both players have the skills to put them near the top of their respective positions. But Embiid’s injury issues are, for now, proving him to have an unreliable future to lean on. History tells us Embiid’s probability of staying healthy and having a consistent and long career is small. Then again, history has barely seen anyone with the talent Embiid obtains at his size.
His instability makes Simmons that much more important. Fultz is capable of being the player that ultimately leads a championship caliber team, but Ben Simmons is unique to an incredible point. Rarely have we seen a close to 7-footer with elite passing and ball-handling skills. It almost feels like it’s being unappreciated, thanks to the rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was really the first point forward to blossom since LeBron James‘ rise.
Could it be that most of Simmons’ predecessors are still in the league, that his potential is being overlooked? Maybe. Or maybe it’s because But the Sixers know that they can only see this rebuild be validated if Simmons can become the star he’s expected to be.
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Unlike James or Antetokounmpo, Simmons will have a talented team and two potential stars around him for at least he first few seasons of his career. Simmons doesn’t have to reach the level of his two point forward counterparts, but he does have to be almost as good. His skill-set, even without any semblance of an outside shot, is enough to create serious matchup problems for most defenses.
It also gives head coach Brett Brown countless options on how to work a young and talented lineup. His passing ability creates opportunities for the Embiids, the Fultzs, and even the J.J. Redicks of the world. He’s the player that others want to lineup with, because he elevates their games.
Simmons having a breakout right away could have a huge impact for the franchise long-term. It’s no secret that today’s NBA is continuing to see high-profiled players leave for better situations that give them a higher probability to win. With the Sixers holding cap space that allows them to sign a max-contract, it’s hard to see why any top-level free agent wouldn’t want to play with one of the league’s most promising young players.
Simmons’ impact will be felt wether it’s in a positive or negative light. Of course the organization is hoping to see their embattled big man Joel Embiid stay healthy. But a Simmons blossoming will soften the blow mightily. One may even say more than if the roles were reversed.
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Ben Simmons obtains the body and play type that will represent the future NBA, minus the outside shot. Position-less basketball is all but here, and Simmons will give the Sixers an edge until that day occurs. So even with the injury and an obvious offensive limitation, it is Simmons who will stand as the make or break asset in this long Sixers rebuild.