Philadelphia 76ers: 3 goals for Ben Simmons going into next season

As good as Ben Simmons is, everyone on the Philadelphia 76ers needs to improve. Here are three goals for Simmons heading into the 2021 season.

In just three seasons, Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons has won Rookie of the Year, is a two-time All-Star, a member of the 2017-18 All-Rookie First Team, and most recently named to the 2020 All-Defense First Team, and Third-Team All-NBA, en route to leading the NBA in steals per game (2.1) this past season.

With all these accolades to go with averages of 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game for his career, Simmons has become one of the most accomplished 24 year-olds in NBA history. Yet he still has so much room for growth.

When owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer gave general manager Elton Brand the green light to sign Ben Simmons to a five-year, $169.65 million extension last summer, it wasn’t just a reward for his accomplishments to that point, but also an investment in his potential.

Entering the first year of his rookie max extension, the organization has increased expectations of Simmons. When a team awards a player with a pay increase, one is expected to improve his play and increase production. Ownership and the front office are going to want to see their investment pay dividends.

The Sixers entered the season with championship aspirations but fell well short of their lofty expectations, getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics. Perhaps they could have survived the first round had Simmons been healthy.

For sure, the championship window is closing rapidly, and the Eastern Conference is expected to be much more competitive next year. If they have a chance of reaching the promised land next season, the 76ers need Simmons to elevate his game as well as his teammates.

Without further ado, here are the three things that should be at the top of Ben Simmons’ offseason priority list.