National Basketball Association

Can Ben Simmons Lead The Philadelphia 76ers Right Away?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown believes in Ben Simmons‘ desire to get better, but can he actually be a team leader right out of the gate?

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown hosted an annual media luncheon last Thursday afternoon to discuss any questions attendees had regarding the direction the team is moving in.

Not only was Joel Embiid a primary focus of the conversation, but so was the highly touted prospect Ben Simmons.

When talking about Simmons’ potential fit with the team, Brown discussed what Simmons sees in his own future.

“I don’t throw this sentence out lightly, I think he truly wants to be great,” Brown said. “I really think he wants to be great.”

Skeptics claimed Simmons’ biggest flaw was his motivation in college. Some plays he’d storm down the court and lead an electrifying fast break. Other times he’d leave his assignment on defense, make a lazy pass or stand in the corner frozen like a deer in headlights.

How can someone with this kind of reputation come in and step up as a team leader from day one?

The good news is that Simmons looked anything but disinterested in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Through the team’s contests he made plays for himself and others up and down the floor. He left fans and NBA executives in awe of his passing and basketball IQ.

Whether you consider Simmons a true point guard or point forward, you can’t deny his overall potential.

Brown doesn’t see his understanding of leadership or maturity as a hindrance to his development.

“I think he’s very mature in how he sees things as it relates to his responsibility to himself and the city,” Brown Said. “I think he understands that the media and the public, there are all eyes on him, that it’s twofold. There is responsibility to carry himself in a way that the franchise and the city would want, with a bit of class and a bit of grace. I think he understands that. He’s been extremely well raised.”

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And when looking back, there’s enough evidence to suggest Simmons didn’t have a chance to properly shine in college.

He’s most effective with the ball in his hands both in transition and in the halfcourt. LSU coach Johnny Jones had Simmons post up on the block or camp on the perimeter for a three-point look.

The problem with both scenarios is that Simmons isn’t a dominant scorer in either of those molds. He has trouble converting on his outside shot and he doesn’t have the post-up game of an old-school forward.

Simmons responded with terrible body language and attitude, but I can’t necessarily blame him. The team’s top talent served as a role player.

Coach Brown understands Simmons’ upside and plans to use him to his strengths. As long as he comes in and works his tail off, he’ll have no problems setting a great example.

After all, wouldn’t you want your captain to also have his teammates’ best interest at heart?

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