Hoops Habit
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: Backup point guard options for Ben Simmons

By Simon Smith

Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

Darren Collison, Sacramento Kings

Darren Collison’s three-year stint with the Sacramento Kings represents his longest tenure with the one team over his eight seasons in the league. The Kings were Collison’s fifth team, with three of those stops consisting of just a single season. Starting in 63 of 68 games, Collison averaged 13.2 points, 4.6 assists and 1.0 steals in 30.3 minutes per game this year.

As has been the case throughout his career, Collison’s shooting numbers this season were impressive. His splits of 47.6 percent from the field, 41.7 percent from three-point range and 86.0 percent from the line were top-notch. And considering the Sixers’ struggles from the field this season, Collison would represent a worthy addition.

More from Philadelphia 76ers

Moreover, Collison has demonstrated an ability to be effective whether starting or coming off the bench throughout his career. The most productive season off his career, numbers wise, came during the 2014-15 when he started all 45 games played, averaging 16.1 points and 5.6 assists per game, with his usual terrific shooting splits across the board.

Furthermore, he has demonstrated considerable effectiveness when backing up leading point guards such as Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo. Renowned primarily for his uptempo play, Collison would provide a great spark for coach Brown off the Sixers bench, while also providing a mentoring role for Simmons through his growing stages in the league.

The one major blemish on Collison’s record is the domestic battery charge which caused him to be suspended by the NBA for the first eight games of last season. But to Collison’s credit, he was able to put the drama behind him and still have a productive season for the Kings.

At 29 and having somewhat bounced around the league, Collison would arrive at a point in his career where he can still greatly contribute on the court, while at the same time providing him a place he can call home and carve out a role of his own.