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The Philadelphia 76ers won't just be a more exciting team to watch on the court this season; they'll also be an interesting unit to play with in NBA 2K17. Both Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid received their 2K ratings Wednesday, via Ronnie 2K of 2K Sports, and were content with the results.
@Ronnie2K @NBA2K I like it, I like it just waiting for my copy pic.twitter.com/2DrG0dOy2n
— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) August 25, 2016
Pretty good rating for a Twitter ninja #WeAllGotTheSameAmountOfPoints pic.twitter.com/q4Sxdqrq0n
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) August 25, 2016
Simmons is the highest-rated Sixers rookie in 2K history and will possess a bevy of badges that will reflect his strengths in real life. "Break Starter" and "Dimer" are rare badges for rookies, but Simmons could be getting them solely due to his offensive ability. Embiid, on the other hand, had "Post Lock-down Defender" and "Defensive Crasher" in 2K16. It will be interesting to see if 2K provides him with any offensive badges, throughout the season, as he exhibits his proficiency.
Embiid had a 76 overall rating in 2K16 and gets a one-point boost to initially start the game with a 77 overall, with dynamic ratings fluctuating that number in the 2016-17 campaign. Embiid hasn't been as athletic in the game as his real life build suggests, but he's one of the top budding two-way bigs in 2K. Also, Simmons users are going to have to be patient, figuring out which areas he thrives in on the court-outside of the simple drive and dunk/layup ISO attempts.
It will be exciting to see how players utilize both Embiid and Simmons in the offense, playing the forward at multiple positions to maximize his playmaking tendencies. Also, those who choose the Sixers in GM Mode, Franchise, or in a quick game will have to figure out how to effectively distribute minutes to an expansive frontcourt.
They are positive conundrums, as it's been years of the Sixers assuming the role of proverbial pushover in 2K. Players can opt for the unique Simmons-Covington-Saric-Noel-Embiid lineup or roll with a traditional, possible default, starting unit of Jerryd Bayless, Gerald Henderson, Robert Covington, Simmons and Nerlens Noel.
Regardless of preference, Simmons is a multidimensional starter needed on a 2K team for Philadelphia, lacking exceptional wing talent, and is a tantalizing player to user on both ends of the floor. The Sixers could have widespread play in 2K with the addition of the Aussie phenom.