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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2. Earn All-Defensive honors in 2018-19

Ben Simmons was a solid defender by most standards for much of the 2017-18 regular season. In the playoffs, defense was a different beast for him, especially against the Boston Celtics. Fellow rookie Jayson Tatum largely outplayed Simmons on both ends in the postseason, which should be fuel for Simmons to earn some All-Defensive honors in 2018-19.

Simmons turned in an offensive rating of 98.2 and a defensive rating of 115.9 with a net rating of -17.7 against the Celtics during the 2018 NBA Playoffs. On the flipside, Tatum turned in an offensive rating of 110.9 and a defensive rating of 99.9 with a net rating of +11.0. Simmons will need to assert himself more on the defensive end and show he has the toughness to defend some of the top players in the East.

He didn’t have the greatest defensive performance against Boston and it showed in the final result. Asserting himself on defense this upcoming season can push him towards All-Defensive types of performances, given his athleticism and ability on the defensive end.

He recorded 70 blocks in 2017-18, a number that should rise entering Year 2. With expectations of being the top team in the East, the motto “Defense wins championships” should begin to resonate with the Philadelphia 76ers’ core of young stars.