Rebounds per Game: 8.5
Throughout his career, Simmons has averaged 8.1, 8.8, and 7.8 rebounds per game. The oversized lineup last season forced a dip in Simmons’ rebounding numbers that should be expected to increase this year. Ben will be looked at to be a major contributor on the boards with Embiid and Dwight Howard (depending on playing time) the only locks to secure more.
Pace has been emphasized on a regular basis by Doc Rivers for this season and the best way for this to occur is to get it into the hands of Ben Simmons. The most effective way to do this is for Simmons to grab the rebound himself. By dropping down deeper in the paint and helping out on the boards, Simmons can kickstart the offense immediately. This will likely be seen on a regular basis and he will be accounted on to do this due to the lineup being smaller than in years past.
Steals per Game: 1.8 Steals
While there is so much noise surrounding the lack of improvement on the offensive end, Simmons does not get enough credit for being a completely different player on the defensive end from when he came into the league. Despite it being his biggest criticism coming into the NBA, Simmons has developed into a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Simmons will likely be tasked with matching up against the number one scoring option they are facing on a nightly basis.
Doc Rivers has harped on how high the defensive potential of this team is since he first agreed to come on board with the organization. The Sixers ranked 10th in the league in steals last season with 7.9 steals per game. Ben Simmons accounted for 26.6% of these steals and led the league with 2.1 steals per game. This was the highest number he has tallied as he averaged 1.7 and 1.4 steals in his previous two seasons. Getting into passing lanes and making use of his long frame has become an important part of Simmons’ game and this will continue to be seen in this upcoming season.
If the defense is to truly be the identity of this Sixers team, Simmons must be ready to lead the charge. Joel Embiid will continue to serve as one of the best defensive anchors in the league and Simmons must make his impact felt as well. As a team, the Sixers totaled 7 steals in the first preseason game against the Celtics and just 4 in the Pacers matchup. Given the skewed playing time and extra rest given to the starters, there is no need to panic, but this must be a point of emphasis if the team wants to develop into the defensive terror that they are capable of becoming.
Overall Predictions for Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons will finish the season as an all-star and earn his spot on the all-NBA second team. He will be a legitimate contender for Defensive Player of the Year candidate once again, but due to his style of playmaking more of an impact in-game than on paper, I don’t think he secures this award quite yet. At 24 years old, Ben should be coming into his prime and with the pieces around him, a career-year is well within the question. He is not James Harden and he should be appreciated for this. The team is now fully set-up to be built around Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons and now it is their turn to prove that they are the level of superstars capable of bringing home a title.
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
