Ben Simmons – Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons has the most to prove out of all the NBA players during the 2021-22 season because nobody knows his upside anymore. Ben Simmons was drafted first overall in 2016, and while he has technically been in the league for five seasons now, he has only played four since he sat out all of the 2016-17 season with a foot injury.
Simmons has averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.7 steals in four seasons, and has shot 56% from the floor, which is not terrible whatsoever.
Still, he has been deemed a liability on the offensive end of the floor after being non-existent in the 76ers’ last playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks. Simmons only averaged 9.9 points per game and shot just 33.3% from the free-throw line.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been trying to trade Ben Simmons since this series ended, but they want an All-Star-like talent in return for him, and rightfully so. The Sixers should not just trade Simmons for nothing because, after all, this guy is a 3x All-Star, 2x All-Defensive player, 1x All-NBA performer, and a past Rookie of the Year.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Latest Intel Surrounding Ben Simmons Amid NBA Trade Rumors
Say what you want about him, but Ben Simmons is an excellent two-way player in this league, and quite honestly, he may need a fresh start with a new team.
Whether he begins the season in Philadelphia or somewhere else, there is a lot on the line for the 7-foot “point guard” during the 2021-22 season, especially since his struggles are well-documented on social media.
He is not going to become an offensive threat overnight and may never develop a jump shot. Still, given his athleticism and ball-handling abilities, there is no reason why Ben Simmons should struggle against smaller defenders in this league. Simmons should be virtually unguardable by other guards, which is why his problem is all mental right now.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Latest Intel Surrounding Ben Simmons Amid NBA Trade Rumors
With a long offseason to rest up and think things over, the 2021-22 season has a chance to be a fresh start for the former No. 1 overall pick. He will likely remain in Philadelphia. It will be fascinating to see how the fans react to Simmons still being on the team and how Ben Simmons reacts to still being on this team after requesting offseason trades.
