Sixers focus on Ben Simmons’ growth as a point guard, not his shot

The Philadelphia 76ers want to continue to grow Ben Simmons as a point guard.

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The story surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night was the fact that Ben Simmons finally made his first career 3-pointer. He also led a comeback from being down 17 points to win it 109-104 and keep the Sixers unbeaten at home.

He finished with 18 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds and his intensity and leadership were what helped the Sixers rally and win the game. While his 3-point shot is definitely important and it can unlock other parts of his game, the thing most on coach Brett Brown’s mind is his growth as a point guard.

Brown said after it was all over:

If we are all honest, that is the first legitimate three that he has taken. He looked great. He’s 23 years old. He’s gone from a college four-man, to an NBA point guard, to an NBA All-Star and was rewarded with a significant contract. His progression has been pretty good, so this is a small step, but a step, towards the other pieces of his growth. What I liked most about him tonight, though, was his leadership with the ball. Talking, encouraging, getting Joel the ball. He’s growing as a point guard and that’s what I liked the most tonight.

Brown has a point. Simmons was a power forward in college and he has been converted to playing point guard at the NBA level. The position is hard enough to learn for a natural point guard let alone somebody who was playing in the frontcourt.

Simmons added:

I think it’s getting better with time with different experiences. I think I’m growing as a player and that’s what happens when you give somebody a little bit of a leeway and trust in them a little bit more.

It will be that continued growth that will decide the Sixers fate. This team has the potential to win an NBA title in 2019-20, but it will come down to whether Simmons continues to take that next step or not. Wednesday was a good step in the right direction. [lawrence-related id=19744,19745,19736]