76ers’ Ben Simmons Proclaims: ‘I’m A Starting Point Guard’

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers are a team on the rise in the NBA. The franchise that was once a punchline for dysfunction in the league has now shown signs of a bright future with Ben Simmons leading the way.

Although the team made a bold move to trade up for the No.1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft to grab point guard Markelle Fultz out of Washington, Simmons, who was picked by the team first overall last year, claims he’s the starting point guard for Philadelphia, via Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly.com:

“Once you start playing, it’s one of those games where you just play and you feel it out,” Simmons said. “For me, I think you can move me anywhere. But, I’m a starting point guard.”

With two talented point guards in the fold in Philadelphia, the question has been which player will or should start considering they’re both technically rookies. The recently signed J.J. Redick will likely start at shooting guard making the backcourt a dilemma.

Fortunately, with Fultz and Simmons being as talented and as versatile as they are, it may not be much of a problem for head coach Brett Brown. As Simmons mentioned, he can play anywhere, but it seems clear he wants the ball in his hands with his statement about being the starting point guard.

Obviously, considering the team’s recent history, this is a good problem to have. The 76ers are a talented team that could be playoff bound next season, but it will definitely be interesting to see what the starting lineup and rotation looks like once the season gets underway way in October.