PHILADELPHIA _ After a dominant rookie-of-the-year campaign, Ben Simmons cemented himself as one of the brightest rising stars in the NBA. In just one year in the league, his skill-set and limitations, and the expectations for his future, quickly came into focus.
There is no doubt that Simmons' historic rookie season exceeded expectations. Coming off a redshirt season because of injury, it seemed he didn't skip a beat, with his game translating almost seamlessly to the pro level. He posted a rookie-high 12 triple-doubles, the second-most ever by a rookie behind Oscar Robertson's 26 in 1960-61.
Simmons quickly garnered comparisons to Magic Johnson and LeBron James. Opposing coaches had to find an efficient way to defend a 6-foot-10 point guard who is lightning-quick and deadly when let loose in transition.
Coach Brett Brown said that Simmons has seemed more prepared and confident through training camp and the preseason than he was heading into his first season, and both Brown and Simmons have said the goal is for Simmons to make an all-NBA defensive first team.
"This year he's come back incredibly committed, like a real pro," Brown said. "His spirit, his leadership, his attitude is different than it was last year."
With more strength, maturity, and playing time, becoming one of the league's elite defenders seems like an extremely reasonable goal for Simmons.
Despite the historic numbers and the accomplishments, the truth is there is room for improvement, and that's a good thing.
No one is expecting Simmons to make a huge leap and revamp his entire game. He will likely look a lot like he did last season, but by adding to his low-post game, getting to the free-throw line, and continuing to work on his jumper, he'll be well on his way to an even more illustrious career.
