Rookie Ben Simmons has not only spoiled Sixer fans with his stellar play, but he also caught the eye of anyone who has watched him. Simmons’ ability was never a secret to those who have followed his career at LSU to being drafted number one overall by Philadelphia.
The phenom point guard has drawn comparisons to LeBron James since he was in college. His excellent play hasn’t done anything to quell the comparisons.
James, however, has no interest in showering Simmons in glowing reviews. Instead, according to Dave McMenamin, he’d prefer to appreciate the individualities of their respective games.
“That’s for you guys (in the media),” James said. “You guys do that comparison stuff. I think Ben is his own makeup of speed, power, quickness, competitive basketball and being able [to] have a feel for the game. You know, Ben is Ben. And I am who I am. And so on and so on. So you guys kind of do that comparison stuff.”
It’s tough not to see the tremendous talent the 21-year-old Simmons possesses. His poise and skill to seemingly know when to make the right play can’t be ignored. At 6’10, Simmons has an advantage that can make him one of the best players to ever play at his position.
The coaching staff has shown high confidence in him as evident with his allotment of 36 minutes per game this season. Simmons rookies this season in minutes per game.
Philly fans have enjoyed an 11-7 start with their team playing solid basketball against some of the tougher teams in the league.
James knows that Philly will be a challenge because of how well Simmons, Joel Embiid, and almost every other Sixer has played so far this season.
“It’s not about me vs. Ben. It’s about the Cavs vs. the 76ers, and we want to continue to play good ball. They’ve been playing good ball, especially at home. So it’s not about me versus him at all.”
