In a shocking turn of events, Ben Simmons has reported back to the Philadelphia 76ers. The 25-year-old landing in Philly unannounced on Monday and since then has taken all the necessary steps to re-join his teammates on the court once he clears health and safety protocol.
Potentially having Simmons on the court is a positive for the Sixers but does throw a wrench in things. Throughout training camp and the preseason, Doc Rivers has implemented systems to help prepare the team for life without the three-time All-Star.
One of the biggest changes we've seen thus far has come within the offense. Replacing Ben Simmons' elite facilitation is no small task, and Rivers did not put that weight on just one player's shoulders. With no other true point guards on the roster, he implemented a by-committee system to run the offense.
Now that Simmons has spontaneously decided to end his holdout, many expect him to assume his duties as maestro of the offense. Based on Rivers' comments following practice on Wednesday, that might not be the case. He said that nothing will change in terms of what they've been working on to get ready for the regular season.
“We didn't change anything. We practice the same way. We will when Ben [Simmons] comes, our practice won't change, and what we're doing won't change,” said Rivers.
The ball-movement heavy offense has been one of the biggest takeaways from the Sixers during the preseason, and it looks like that will not change upon Simmons' return. Now it will be on the former number one pick to acclimate himself within the team's new style of play.
Even with potentially having Ben Simmons back, keeping this style of play is the right move on Rivers' part. If they can add a passer to the caliber of Simmons to this style, it could make the Sixers even harder to defend.
The biggest obstacle might be getting Simmons bought into changing his ways. Based on how things have gone down this summer, it could be a little challenging. Since Simmons' tenure with the Sixers began, he has been the sole conductor of the offense.
Allowing others to take part in the facilitation might not help the team, but Ben Simmons as well. Especially in transition, where he is at his best. Having other players who can start the break will allow Simmons to create space in the open floor and get into positions where he can be more of a scorer.
Credit to Rivers for not completely scrapping a new look just because of the return of one player. The entire team has bought into this Spurs-Esq style of play, and Simmons will have to do the same.
It's still not certain that Ben Simmons even puts on a Sixers' again yet, but if he does, how he works himself into this new-look offense will be something to keep an eye on.
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