Philadelphia 76ers: 3 big questions following 2019 NBA All-Star break

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Ben Simmons #25 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smile during a game against the New York Knicks on February 13, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images /

3. Can Simmons stay on the court?

Before you get your pitchforks and torches, Simmons’ shortcomings must be addressed. He’s still a non-factor outside of floater territory, and that will matter in tight games.

Head coach Brett Brown has gotten creative since integrating Butler and Harris into the fold; Simmons has been used more off the ball as a screener and roller as those two create offense. More elements are being added to his game instead of having him camp out in the “dunker’s spot” while Embiid posts up.

However, this does not fix what could ultimately be Simmons’ downfall in these playoffs: his jump shot. As LeBron James showed in last Sunday’s matinee when the Los Angeles Lakers came to town, and just as the Boston Celtics exhibited in last season’s playoffs, this weakness of Simmons can, and will, cramp the offense’s spacing.

Boston isn’t the only team capable of making Simmons work; the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks both employ legions of athletic wing bodies. As long as the Sixers make it to round two (any other scenario puts Philly in DEFCON state), Simmons will be tested. Thoroughly.

A step in the right direction came during that Lakers game, when Simmons attempted a legitimate pull-up 3. It didn’t go in, but he’s at least making steps in the right direction.

If he can manage to sink open triples off, say, an Embiid post-up, the offense could reach unconquered heights.