As the Philadelphia 76ers got back at it on Friday to begin the season resumption in Orlando, all eyes are on Ben Simmons and his new role on the team. Coach Brett Brown has made a huge adjustment and he has moved Simmons off the ball to the power forward position.
The move showed early promise in the scrimmage opening win over the Memphis Grizzlies and it’s a move that even unlocked Simmons’ 3-point shot as he took two in the win. Still, the question remains, does he still handle the ball? Will he still be initiating the offense?
“I can almost simplify it like this: on any missed shot, I want Ben with the ball,” Brown explained after the win. “Any time the opposition misses and we’re running, I want Ben Simmons with the ball and let him get to the rim and dunk or finding other shooters, it’s really that clean and that simple.”
Simmons is one of the fastest guys in the league and that’s a strength that Brown wants to take advantage of. When he gets a full head of steam toward the basket, then he is a different beast and it is tough for the opposition to stop him. He is so elite getting to the rim and that’s something the Sixers want to use. Even on made baskets when Joel Embiid has to take the ball out, he should be running to the basket.
“On made baskets, when it’s a little bit slower and say Joel takes it out, I want Ben taking off and let him get something cheap over the top or circling back and playing at that elbow area where it’s hard to sag,” Brown continued. “He’s one dribble at the rim and that’s the world I envision when we make that change of you dribbling up the floor as a primary ball carrier against five waiting defensive players in a make world and a miss world, him off the ball is how I see it.”
Simmons acknowledged after that it does not matter where he is put on the floor. He can defend any position and he can also properly play it on offense as well. The Sixers are really fortunate to have a player of his stature on the floor. There isn’t a lot he can’t do.
“I can guard one through five, I can play anywhere,” said Simmons. “Catching in those positions, I love those spots, I work on those spots, I work on my footwork there. Just got to keep working and take what’s given.”
Philadelphia will move on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday for the second of three scrimmage games in Orlando. [lawrence-related id=35435,35427,35420]