Simmons excelling as a rookie
The Philadelphia 76ers seem to have found a gem in Ben Simmons to go alongside Joel Embiid. Simmons is averaging 16.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game as the starting point-forward for Philadelphia this season. He’s the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year in many circles, though he’s got plenty of competition from other rookies like Boston Celtics wing Jayson Tatum or Utah Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell.
Still, Simmons is holding his own among this year’s class. Simmons is second among rookies in points per game, first in rebounds per game, first in assists per game and first in steals per game this season. He hasn’t put up All-Star numbers, but his production passes the eye test among other rookies.
.@BenSimmons25 goes for 16 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists in the win over Milwaukee. https://t.co/KD3ChuRa2l
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 21, 2018
The Ben Simmons Experience has met the hype in its own right. Simmons hasn’t exploded for a 40-point game yet, but he did put up 31 points in a 118-113 victory over the Washington Wizards back on Nov. 29. He attempted a career-high 29 free throws in that game and in the process, set the single-game record for free throws attempted (24) in the fourth quarter.
He’s done well to do whatever is needed to get his team victories, even if it means getting his supporting cast and reserves involved in the fold. The reserves have come up huge as well, led largely by the scrappy play of T.J. McConnell.