Philadelphia—Over the past couple of days people have been kicking up a fuss about Ben Simmons not attending workouts for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Somehow, Philadelphia haters are trying to equate Simmons not working out, to him having trepidation about joining a historic franchise.
Well, that’s just idiotic and downright irresponsible. Here are three reasons Sixers fans shouldn’t have apprehension, at least for now.
History repeats itself:
The three young guns—Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid—all didn’t workout for the Sixers, and they were drafted by the team. The Sixers have been tanking for years just to have a chance at the first pick. This isn’t going to stop the team from drafting their prized possession all along: Ben Simmons.
All teams are created equal:
Simmons isn’t working out for any team, including the Los Angeles Lakers, because he has been projected to be the no. 1 pick all year. When you are at the top, there isn’t a reason for players to organize interviews and workouts as they have already proven themselves.
The skillset of Simmons:
While Simmons has played on a shoddy team in Louisiana State University, he is the real deal, averaging 19.2 points, 4.8 assists and 11.8 rebounds as a freshman. All one has to do is look at his skillset, which is his ability to handle, pass and run the floor in his 6’10 frame. Fans should note the game in which he amassed 43 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, five steals and three blocks against North Florida, a type of stat line that hasn’t been replicated in two decades.
Let’s be honest: his team was subpar because of Antonio Blakeney and Brandon Sampson, who were two blue-chip 6’3 shooting guards that didn’t materialize into their pre-college hype.
Still, Simmons’ skillset is enough to have somebody drop their jaw like Jim Carrey in The Mask. At 6’10, he can handle with both hands while keeping his head up; can make the right basketball play and can post up. And, he has underrated athleticism. On defense, he has very quick hands and his frame can be used to his advantage when strategically trained.
Sixers fans should absolutely, positively, remain excited about Ben Simmons, because he is coming to Philly—a sports city in dire need of something to look forward to.
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