NBA Rumors: Sixers Should Bring Former NBA MVP To Philadelphia

Philadelphia 76ers started to become a perennial playoff contender when they turned things around during the 2018-2018 season. Ben Simmons took over the point guard duties in his rookie year and has become a very effective court general for his size at 6-foot 10.

The 23-year old has been playing heavy minutes for Philly and he seems to be comfortable leading the Sixers’ attack. The Australian guard from LSU has been averaging 14.9 points, 8,6 assists, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals while playing over 35 minutes per outing as a starter.

When he takes a breather, the point guard chores are taken by either Trey Burke or, at times, Raul Neto and both are doing a decent job of giving Simmons a rest.

Burke, a first-round pick in 2013, is providing steady numbers in an off-the-bench role for Philly. He’s norming 7.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 rebounds in 14.9 minutes. In their last game against Oklahoma City Thunder, he played 16 minutes and he finished with 12 points and two assists to help the Sixers snap their four-game losing skid.

Neto, who is on his fifth season in the league and first with the Sixers, only played in five of the team’s last 10 games, only logging in 4.8 minutes and good for 2.4 points in those games.

Simmons’ production in the guard spot is a big chunk of the team’s offense, which could be a concern for Philadelphia if he is not available to play. Philly needs to address their shallow backcourt rotation, particularly on the one-spot and this can be filled should Elton Brand and the Sixers start pursuing Derrick Rose.

Based on reports by CBS Sports, 2011 NBA MVP has been thriving in a bench role for the Detroit Pistons. In their last game against Cleveland, he scored a team-high 24 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and a steal in 31 minutes to lead Detroit to a 115-113 victory. Rose’s resurgence is one of the attractions in the league, especially when he hit career-high 50 points last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The 31-year old maybe not as flashy as his MVP years but can certainly provide an upgrade and leadership in the Sixers’ second unit. Philadelphia transformed itself to be a consistent playoff team and is looking to advance deeper into the playoffs and with D-Rose’s experience and leadership, the Sixers with an All-Star in the line-up and an MVP as a sixth man is a scary sight.