Sixers-Celtics Preview/Thread – Ben Simmons’ Professional Debut

Simmons signed his rookie contract last week and will be under team control until the end of the 2019-20 season, when he will become a restricted free agent. Simmons was diagnosed with having cramps in both legs.

It doesn’t sound like a serious issue, but the Sixers are going to shut down Simmons for Tuesday’s game against the Spurs as a precaution. The second-year forward made several critical baskets to spark a Sixers’ rally.

After already dazzling with the way that he ran the fast break as the ball-handler, Ben Simmons again put his passing on display as he got the ball at the top of the key. Terry Rozier scored a game-high 18 and second-year guard R.J. Hunter added 17.

The last obstacle preventing Simmons from taking to the court was erased when the 76ers announced on Sunday he had signed his rookie contract.

Simmons, a 19-year-old Australian who spent one season at LSU, finished the night with 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Simmons was not alone in putting together an impressive performance.

“I think the point-guard position is the hardest position to play in the National Basketball Association as a first-year player, let alone as a person that’s played a four man his whole life”, Brown was quoted as saying.

Wood relentlessly attacked the rim and it paid off. Holmes blocked five shots and tallied 13 points, which included 9 of 9 shooting from the line.

Simmons, the first top pick for the Sixers since Allen Iverson in 1996, averaged 19.2 points and 11.8 rebounds in his lone USA college season at Louisiana State.

Ben Simmons can expect a baptism of fire when he pulls on a Philadelphia 76ers jersey and leads his team on the court for the first time. The Bowling Green product was super physical and did a great job of contesting shots (particularly Brown’s), but he only managed one defensive rebound in 23 minutes of action.

“The ball moves faster than the player”, Simmons said.

They reversed roles to open the third quarter. He struggled to score, but his shot will come around as he gets comfortable.