Philadelphia 76ers: 3 goals for Ben Simmons in 2018-19

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 5: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Simmons /

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3. Show consistency in his play with the ball

As fans, we’ve all heard of the sophomore slump. That’s what Ben Simmons wants to avoid in his second season in the NBA. He showed confidence all season long in 2017-18, he’ll just need to show it again and build consistency.

Simmons was a solid performer in 2017-18, putting up 15.8 points, 8.2 assists, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game during the 2017-18 regular season. He was a pivotal part of the Sixers’ turnaround from winning 28 games in 2016-17 to winning 52 games in 2017-18. Now that the team is on the winning side of things, it’ll need Simmons to keep his play up to stay there.

He won the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month award in November, January, February and March last season, outdoing many of his counterparts in most regards. Simmons led all rookies in assists, rebounds and steals per game in 2017-18 as well.

Now, he’ll need to elevate his game a bit more or he could find himself under the microscope of criticism if the Philadelphia 76ers hit a rough spot. He can do more than score the basketball and given the addition of Wilson Chandler in the frontcourt, the defensive profile is certainly expected to rise a bit.