Examining in-house options to replace Ben Simmons in starting lineup
The Philadelphia 76ers and All-Star point guard Ben Simmons are headed toward a nasty divorce. The writing has been on the wall after another poor playoff performance and the situation has grown messier in recent weeks. The 25-year-old has threatened to never play another game for the franchise.
Simmons also rebuffed his teammates’ attempts to travel to Los Angeles to meet and try to change his mind. At this point, it is not a matter of if Simmons gets traded, it is a matter of when.
Considering nobody knows what the market really is for Simmons and it’s difficult to pinpoint who the Sixers will acquire for him, it is time to examine options on the roster they can turn to. One wants to assume Philadelphia will get an All-Star point guard, but that might not be the case.
Potential options to replace Simmons in the starting lineup:
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Maxey is next in line to be the team's starting point guard once Simmons is traded. He made major strides on both ends of the floor throughout his rookie season and has a maniacal work ethic that should earn him coach Doc Rivers' favor. He had a strong summer league, and he will look to carry it with him into his second season.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Milton started 24 games in the 2019-20 season as he established himself. His shooting percentages were down last season, but he ended up averaging 13.0 points. Entering his fourth season, he can be a factor as a starter despite being passed in the rotation by Maxey in the playoffs.
Elsa/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Once Simmons is traded, the Sixers will be lose an elite defender who can guard multiple positions. That is why Thybulle could be an option after being named to an All-Defensive second team in 2021. The only drawback would be the move makes Seth Curry the main ballhandler. That is something the Sixers can work around. Thybulle would replace Simmons' defensive acumen out on the perimeter.
1
1
