Ben Simmons is entering his 4th season as a professional basketball player in the NBA. He has made strides in improving his game every single season. Of course everyone loves to harp on the fact that Ben Simmons still does not shoot the ball. Beyond that point, this past season Simmons made a huge name for himself on the defensive end of the court and found himself with a spot on the NBA’s All-Defensive Team at the end of the year. Expect Ben Simmons in year four to elevate his game to a whole new level.

Newfound Confidence and Accountability

I can’t recall a moment in the past where Ben Simmons looked any more confident in himself than during his first day of media availability this season last week. He simply looked happy and 100 % confident in himself. You combine that with the new coaching staff who is going to hold Ben accountable and get the absolute most out of him and that will lead Ben to having his breakout season as a premier NBA player.

I can’t stress enough how great both Doc Rivers and Sam Cassell will be for Simmons growth. Ben has been working with Sam Casell on his mid-range and three point shooting. Sam Cassell is known for developing great guards in the NBA and was a terrific perimeter shooter when he played. Having him on the coaching staff working with Ben Simmons shouldn’t be undervalued.

Wheeling and Dealing

Thanks to Sixers GM Darly Morey, they were able to get rid of Al Horford. That alone leads to a much better roster around your young star players. Morey then brought in Seth Curry, Danny Green, and Isiah Joe. All whom really do damage from beyond the arch. Seth Curry is 2nd in NBA history in 3pt%, while Danny Green has a career average of 40% from three.

Ben is going to have way more space to operate. meaning he is most likely getting a good look at the rim or setting up the lethal shooters around him. I predict Simmons will average at least 10 assists per game due to the newfound floor spacing around him. Not only that, but I think Simmons will creep into the 20 point per game territory as well.

Defensive Monster

All the reasons I just gave will be the main selling points behind a Ben Simmons MVP run. But if he is able to duplicate the defensive terror he provided last season, he will be one of the best two way players in the NBA. The Sixers have a great defensive coaching staff now too. Who knows, maybe Ben gets even better on the defensive side of the floor.

I think Ben Simmons will post stat line of 20PPG, 8RPB and 10 APG all while being all defensive first team yet again. If the Sixers can finish a top 3 seed in the East, Ben could have a legitimate shot at the MVP award this season.

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