Keith Pompey is the 76ers beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer. He will be following Ben Simmons’ progress throughout the NBA season.
Salt Lake City, UTAH — BEN Simmons lived up to all the hype in Monday’s 102-94 setback to the Boston Celtics in the Utah Summer League opener at the Vivint Smart Home Arena.
In his first outing for the 76ers, the point forward finished with 10 points, a game-high eight rebounds and five assists before leaving the game with four minutes, 19 seconds with cramps in both ankles.
Shooting
This was one of the few areas that Simmons struggled in. He made just 2-of-9 shots on a night when he appeared more comfortable passing the ball than shooting it.
Some of his shot attempts were off balance and appeared to be rushed attempts late in the shot clock. He did, however, make all six of his foul shots. Simmons just struggled from the field.
Grade: D
Rebounding
Playing away from the basket on offense, Simmons only managed to get one offensive rebound. However, he dominated the boards on the defensive end.
A knock on him at Louisiana State was that he lacked aggression. It wasn’t that way against the Celtics. Simmons was very aggressive on the boards and kept outhustling Boston’s post players en route to grabbing seven defensive rebounds.
Grade: B
Passing
He was by far the best on the floor in this category. Simmons finished with five assists. He would have, however, has several more if not for his teammates’ inability to convert.
One of his highlights came after a defensive rebound midway through the third quarter. Simmons galloped a few steps past half court before firing a bounce pass to Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot for an assist.
Then in the fourth quarter, Simmons drove the lane and delivered a no-look, over-the-back pass to Richaun Holmes. Holmes was fouled on that play.
Grade: A
Communication
Simmons and T.J. McConnell were the Sixers’ vocal leaders. He kept communicating and instructing teammates where they should be on the floor. He also encouraged them after they made mistakes. Then he celebrated with them after they made big plays.
He even communicated and pointed out things to teammate while resting on the bench.
Grade: A
Vision
His vision was better than expected considering this was Simmons’ first game since concluding his college career at Louisiana State on March 12. He kept giving the ball to his teammates in the perfect spot.
He also appeared to sense plays before they developed. That enabled him to find post player Christian Wood over and over in the post.
Grade: A
Defence
Simmons’s defence was very inconsistent. At times, he did a good job on Boston swingman Jaylen Brown. There were other times when Brown blew past Simmons on his way to basket.
He looked out of position at certain times and his defensive timing was off at times.
Grade: C
Movement
He moved well up and down the floor until getting cramps in his calf muscle. He ran the floor well and kept blowing past Brown.
Simmons didn’t have a problem getting to any spot that he wanted on the court. Things were just too easy for him until the cramps started affecting him.
Grade: B
Verdict
It’s hard to determine how much success a player will have in the NBA after their first summer-league game. However, Simmons lived up to the hype and showed glimpses that he can become the face of the franchise.
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