:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68864862/1303400097.0.jpg)
For the third year in a row, Sixers point guard Ben Simmons is headed to the All-Star game. After a slow start to the year, Simmons has turned on the jets over the last few weeks, playing to the level that many knew he could reach. He’s still a maniac on the fast break, he’s attacking the rim with more confidence than ever before, and is now making a concerted effort to get to the free throw line.
Ben Simmons has now made the All-Star Game three seasons in a row. The only year in which he missed it is his rookie season
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) February 23, 2021
On the season, Simmons is averaging 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game with a career high 61% True Shooting Percentage. His game offensively has taken a step forward and he is once again playing defense at an All-NBA level. Each night he takes the toughest task defensively and gives opponents fits. While an All-Star game appearance is nice, Simmons is also chasing the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Ben Simmons’ stats in his first 14 games of the season:
— Harrison Grimm (@Harrison_Grimm) February 22, 2021
33.3 MPG
12.4 PPG
8.2 APG
8.7 RPG
1.6 SPG
0.9 BPG
3.9 TPG
+4.1
51.2% FG, 62.9% FT
Simmons’ stats in the 12 games following:
34.0 MPG
19.7 PPG
7.6 APG
7.8 RPG
1.8 SPG
0.6 BPG
2.5 TPG
+5.3
62.3% FG, 71.1% FT
With the selection now official, Ben Simmons joins James Harden, Julius Randle, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic as reserves for the Eastern Conference. Sixers teammate Tobias Harris was not selected as a reserve even though he is having a remarkable season, averaging a career high 20.6 points per game.
So once again, both of the Sixers’ building blocks in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons have made the All-Star team. For a team heading into the break atop the Eastern Conference, it is great to see these players get some recognition for their great play.