Sixer rookie sensation, Ben Simmons addresses the media after his first National Basketball Association game.
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Simmons left Monday’s summer league game against the Celtics with cramping in both of his calf muscles.
Much of this success, aside from that which lies on the actual potency of Simmons as an National Basketball Association star, lies on both the Sixers’ front office and their trio of big men: Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor. He did not return.
The 6-foot-10 Simmons is a natural power forward but with his elite court vision and playmaking skills, he could pose matchup hell for opponents should the Sixers choose to deploy him as their lead ballhandler.
Simmons will not play in Tuesday’s game against San Antonio, but not because of his cramps. As Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported earlier today, Simmons was not yet in Utah when the Sixers began practicing in preparation for the summer league earlier this afternoon.
Not only did his performance stand out amongst the competition, but his feel for the game for a 19-year old was pretty impressive.
Simmons said he would make an effort to ward off cramps by drinking more fluids.
“That’s the worst I’ve ever cramped up”. I just remember him being one of those point guards, a smaller guy with braids and cornrows and the headbands. He shot just 4 for 14 from the field, though. His ability to see passing lanes, however, is already elite.
The first evidence of it came in the second quarter. “The sequence showed off Simmons’ patience in the offense, waiting for Luwawu-Cabarrot to get to his spot before making a pin-point pass”. Guys like Kyrie Irving and Steph Curry are fast, good with their hands, and incredible with their dribbles, so if Simmons has to guard them or bring up the ball against them, he will no doubt have his fair share of troubles. “So I saw an opportunity to dish it”. And got to the rim on several occasions, which later turned into points at the free-throw line.
He drew more loud applause from the crowd in the third quarter.
When someone can’t hit a shot from outside on offense, it gives defenders room to leave a little cushion and play back knowing the opposing man will either attempt to drive or pass out to another guy. Holmes (13 points, five blocks) was fouled on the play.
He kept communicating, instructing teammates where they should be on the floor. “Wherever they need me on the court, I’m happy to play”. “He’s going to fit in here”.
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Brian Seltzer of the Sixers.com reported the details on Simmons’ status after this year’s No. 1 overall draft pick went down. Philadelphia 76ers seems to have a secured future with Simmons as their point forward who would definitely raise the game benchmark of their team. Terry Rozier had 18 to pace the Celtics (1-0).
