SteemSports Presenter: @dwin0603
SteemSports Editor: @theprophet0
Rookie Ben Simmons is putting up incredible numbers for the Philadelphia 76ers, numbers that we haven’t seen from a rookie since the LeBron James's rookie season. Some people disagree that Simmons is a rookie; they say he’s a sophomore, but whether he is a rookie or a sophomore, his numbers put him ahead above everybody else in the 2016 and 2017 draft classes.
The 14-game winning streak for Philadelphia showcases the worth of the 6’10 Australian point-forward. With all-star big man Joel Embiid out with an eye injury, Simmons carries the Sixers team all by himself. He was the biggest factor in the team’s success. He even had an epic triple-double battle against the greatest player on the planet, LeBron James scraping out with a victory.
Ben Simmons put up numbers that we haven’t seen before, from both a rookie or a veteran. Even Russell Westbrook, who averaged a triple-double, hasn’t been able to achieve what Simmons is doing today as a rookie. Ben Simmons has averaged 14.7 points, 10.1 rebounds and 10.9 assist over the Sixers’ 14-game winning streak. No player prior to Simmons has ever averaged a triple-double over a 10+ games winning streak in the history of the NBA. Simmons achievement is more impressive because of the winning streak, and the reason why Westbrook didn’t achieve it was because he was unable to win 10 in a row despite averaging a triple-double for the entire season.
To the 76ers, stats are not of importance, winning is what is important and Ben Simmons is allotting the best of both worlds. In fact, Simmons stats are the reason contributing to their success. Because of Ben’s spectacular season, Philadelphia made the playoffs for the first time since 2012, and they have won 50 games for the first time since 2001. The last time Philly won 50, they made the NBA finals. Even if they come up short of reaching the finals this year, they will be scary next season as they will become much stronger and mature more. There are many young guys on their team, and they will surely develop next season. The young guys have a high ceiling and can improve very soon.
Thank you for following @steemsports and you can find me @dwin0603.
Excited to see how he performs in the playoffs as I could see teams forcing him to beat them at the free throw line, where he is not doing very well (56%).
Regardless, his passing ability is something you don't see very often.