STAR OF THE WEEK:
Ben Simmons
A winning week (2 – 1) in 76ers basketball is rare these days. But when said streak occurs and is then accompanied by a triple-double (from a rookie mind you) there is reason for optimism. For the second week in a row first year point guard Ben Simmons was the best player on the floor, not just the best Sixer. It is easy to become fixated with the rook’s 21-point, 12-rebound & 10-assist performance in Monday’s 97 – 86 win against the Detroit Pistons. Just as it is easy to become enamored with the “workman” like numbers (23-points, 8-assists & 7-rebounds) Simmons posted in Saturday night’s 112 - 110 win in Dallas. However, it is the young man’s poise and efficiency that should provide hope on those Philly streets. On a team known to take an ill-advised shot or two the guard never seems to follow the crowd. In fact, thus far Simmons’ decision making (3-to-1 assist to turnover ratio) would be impeccable for an 11 year league veteran. So considering it is coming from a rookie, the level of play is that much more astounding. Simmons shot 58 percent from the field and appears to be carving out a nice mid-range game, based off his one lone three-point attempt in three games. The upcoming slate of games features a rematch against the Houston Rockets. It will be interesting to see how the pup responds to the gut-wrenching 105 – 104 loss at the hands of Houston. Particularly since it was Simmons who had the ball in his hands late with a chance to ice the game. STAT OF THE WEEK:
Opening Strong
The 76ers were dominant in first quarters this week, outscoring their opponents 96 – 76. How this Philadelphia group opens each game is paramount to their success. A slow start for such a young core group of players could be catastrophic. Center Joel Embiid and point guard Ben Simmons were the catalysts behind the opening quarter success. Simmons either led all scorers or tied for the scoring lead in all three games. It is important that Philly continue to build on their exceptional first quarter success, if they plan on making any type of a playoff push. Also, the early aggression is key as the team and players look to develop an identity. BEN SIMMONS VS. EVERYBODY:
Michael Carter-Williams and Allen Iverson are the only Philadelphia 76ers to win Rookie of the Year honors. While there is no documented rhyme or reason as to how one acquires the prestigious award, statistically ranking ahead of your contemporaries would not be a bad place to commence an argument for your candidacy. Below is a breakdown of where current Philly rookie phenom and Ben Simmons ranks against the top five first year performers for the week. (Statistics are broken down for the week – W and for the year to date – Y).
Ben Simmons – 76ers 19.3/17.5 - PPG 8.7/9.5 - RPG 9.0/7.5 - APG 33.8/34.3 - MPG 2 – 1/2 – 4 - RECORD Lonzo Ball – Lakers 7.0/10.0 - PPG 6.3/7.5 - RPG 8.3/7.7 - APG 35.8/35.0 - MPG 1 – 3/2 – 4 - RECORD Dennis Smith Jr – Mavericks 12.5/13.2 - PPG 3.0/3.0 - RPG 5.8/6.0 - APG 30.4/30.4 - MPG 1 – 3/1 – 6 - RECORD Jayson Tatum – Celtics 18.0/15.2 - PPG 3.7/6.3 - RPG 1.7/1.7 - APG 30.1/32.7 - MPG 3 – 0/4 – 2 - RECORD Lauri Markkanen – Bulls 16.0/15.6 - PPG 9.3/9.6 - RPG 0.7/0.4 - APG 30.2/32.2 - MPG 1 – 2/1 – 4 - RECORD De’Aaron Fox – Kings 16.5/14.8 - PPG 3.5/4.4 - RPG 4.5/5.0 - APG 26.3/26.8 - MPG 0 – 2/1 – 4 - RECORD ANSWERING THE CALL – A.I.’s rookie year
It has been exactly 20 seasons since Hall-of-Famer Allen Iverson first blessed the NBA hardwood and ignited the city of Philadelphia. From the moment the guard donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform fans everywhere had a feeling Iverson was special and their basketball prayers were finally answered.
The organization struggled mightily through five consecutive losing seasons before selecting the six foot powerhouse out of Georgetown, first overall. It appears the franchise has found another transcendent player, in first year “guard” Ben Simmons. Who oddly enough hits the court after yet another five consecutive losing seasons. As spectators enjoy the greatness and infancy stages of Simmons’ career, it is hard to forget the last time Philly had something (or someone) this special. So while we partake in the now, it is impossible to not reminisce the before. The second week of the Allen Iverson rookie tour featured a 2 – 1 record, his second 30 plus point explosion and an isolated six point performance. The 76ers grabbed their first win of the season against their arch nemesis from Boston, behind a game high 32-points from Iverson. The first win in the A.I. era was made even sweeter as it came against the aforementioned hated Celtics 115 – 105. Philly won its second game of the season in just 24-hours, however the rookie sensation would only drop six points in the 112 – 95 win. The single digit output was short lived as the guard bounced back just a few nights later. Nevertheless, Iverson was the toast of the league. The first overall pick led all rookies in scoring and was just getting started. TWEET OF THE WEEK:
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