Philadelphia 76ers: The Ben Simmons show continues

At at time when many first-year players hit the dreaded “rookie wall,” Ben Simmons continues to shine as the Philadelphia 76ers’ floor general.

While fellow rookie Donovan Mitchell may have attracted more of the headlines recently, it’s become increasingly difficult to overlook the amazing progress of Ben Simmons.

To have a 6’10” point guard lead from the front in the manner Simmons has done thus far with the Philadelphia 76ers has been a sight to behold. In an era in which the 3-point shot has become such an increasingly relied upon weapon in the pursuit for a championship, the fact that Simmons has made such an impact virtually minus the absence of a perimeter shot speaks volume to his potential, both now and in the future.

In 67 games played, this is where Simmons ranks among rookies in the major statistical categories:

• Points per game: 16.3 (2nd)
• Rebounds per game: 7.8 (1st)
• Assists per game: 7.7 (1st)
• Steals per game: 1.7 (equal 1st)
• Blocks per game: 0.9 (7th)
• Minutes per game: 34.6 (1st)

In addition to narrowly missing out on All-Star selection last month, there is the ever-present fear for Simmons, or any first-year player, hitting the dreaded “rookie wall.” Instead, he has continued to flourish and in some cases, improved his already high levels of productivity.

Since the All-Star break, Simmons has averaged 15.5 points, 9.5 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 33.2 minutes per game. His assists output is tied for first in the league over this stretch, a simply phenomenal return for a rookie.

Simmons’ most recent masterpiece came during the Sixers’ nail-biting win over the Brooklyn Nets. Playing 37 minutes, the Australian native registered 21 points, 12 assists, eight rebounds and three steals.

Despite falling narrowly short of recording his third consecutive triple-double, Simmons now ranks second all-time among rookies in this category. Among all players this season, Simmons is tied for third, trailing only Russell Westbrook and LeBron James.

Following his most recent triple-double in a come-from-behind win over the New York Knicks, Simmons offered his thoughts on his season to date:

"“People want me to be a scorer, or a player that I’m not right now. I can score the ball, but I can also rebound and pass the ball. I’d rather do that and do what I’m pretty good at than force things.”"

Furthermore, Sixers’ head coach Brett Brown also detailed his perspective on Simmons’ amazing accomplishments thus far, and where he foresees his role in the future:

"“I’m so pleased that the organization, he, the coaching staff, had the courage to try him as a point guard, because let’s face it, that was highly scrutinized.“It’s going to be a [point guard] or a [power forward]. That’s where I see him. He’s 6-10 and you could see there could be advantages with other four men, slower four men, trying to guard him. I think [power forward or point guard] is sort of where my mind is at, tilting more to a [point guard].”"

Moving forward, the No. 1 challenge facing Simmons will be developing a reasonably reliable outside shot. Thus far, Simmons has attempted just 10 shots from long range, with nine of these essentially half-court flings. So if he is take his game to the next level, this is hands down the most pressing issue Ben Simmons will need to focus on this offseason and beyond.

Next: NBA Rookie of the Year ladder - Week 23

At just 21 years old, and with a monster of work already under his belt, Ben Simmons is rapidly establishing himself as one of the emerging stars of the league.