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Philadelphia 76ers: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

BySimon Smith|
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat in game two of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Simmons
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat in game two of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Simmons
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

2. Ben Simmons to be selected to an All-NBA team

Not many rookies in recent memory have had the same dramatic impact as Ben Simmons.

Having missing a full season with a broken foot after being selected No. 1 overall, Simmons more than made up for lost time in averaging 15.8 points, 8.2 assists, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals on his way to Rookie of the Year honors.

Naturally, the basketball world is now pondering just how far he can take his game in his follow-up campaign. Having just recently turned 22, the main knock on Simmons taking the next step in becoming a truly dominant player is his lack of an outside shot.

In 81 games, Simmons shot at just a 31.6 percent clip on jump shots, per NBA.com. Furthermore, in the ever-evolving 3-point era, Simmons attempted just 11 shots from downtown all season, of which eight were essentially half-court flings.

So while a dramatic improvement in these departments is not expected, some signs of progress will clearly benefit both Simmons and the Sixers in a significant manner.

With the point guard spot absolutely jam-packed with talent, and the shooting guard spot also featuring several high-class performers, gaining selection in one of the three annual All-NBA teams is certainly no easy feat.

Last season, James Harden, Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, Victor Oladipo and Stephen Curry were the guard selections, with the likes of Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving missing out.

For his part, Simmons fared extremely well, receiving 36 votes overall while finishing ahead of fellow guards such as Kyle Lowry and Klay Thompson.

While these are huge names to surpass, Simmons has yet to scratch the surface on his unlimited potential. Therefore come season’s end, it could very well be a case of some of these names chasing Simmons for selection, instead of the other way around.