Ben Simmons Ends Summer League Play With 1st Double-double

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LAS VEGAS -- Two words surrounded Ben Simmons during summer league.

"Aggressive" came from the coaching staff, as in the way the group encouraged him to play on the court.

Then there was "everything," the areas of Simmons' game in which the first overall pick said he would like to improve. 

In his final game in Las Vegas, Simmons aggressively did a little bit of everything.

"I just wanted to finish on a win," Simmons said. "I came out here aggressive and tried to take over the game."

Simmons recorded a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double with six assists, two steals and a block in the Sixers' 74-66 win over the Heat in the consolation round of the Samsung NBA Summer League (see Instant Replay). He shot 5 for 15 from the floor, 0 for 1 from three, and 5 for 7 from the line. Simmons committed six turnovers and three fouls in over 31 minutes. 

He concluded both Utah and Las Vegas summer leagues averaging 10.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists in six games. 

"I think I played pretty well overall," Simmons said. "A lot of learning and growing to do, but that comes with it. I'm looking forward to getting to Philly and starting to work out."

Simmons sat out the past two games and suited up for the finale. He logged 30 or more minutes in half of his summer league games. 

"He really wanted to play," Friday's Sixers summer league coach Gene Burroughs said. "If it was up to him he would have played the whole game, but I had to take him out. He has great energy. He's a basketball player that wants to be on the floor. He wants to win and he wants to make his teammates better. It's really hard sometimes to pull him out of the game because he's so into it, which you love that in a young player."

Simmons gave a preview of his versatile game as he now turns to prepare for the regular season. A point-forward, he handled the ball smoothly and ran the floor with impressive court vision. Simmons also used his 6-foot-10, 242-pound frame to attack the basket for rebounds. 

The criticism of Simmons coming into the NBA was his hesitancy to shoot. He showed spurts of both reluctancy and willingness to score throughout the summer competition. Simmons attempted nine or less shots in four games and 13 or more in two. He attempted his first trey on Friday. 

During summer league Simmons became familiar with some of his new teammates, which is key when running the point. He also spent time off the court with Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid, who did not play. Simmons has known both of them since he was in 10th grade.

"We've had that chemistry for a while," he said. "As soon as we hit the court, hopefully it's the same. I'm looking forward to playing with them."

Even though Brett Brown did not coach the team, he was at practice, shootarounds and games. Brown has known Simmons' family for over 30 years from his days in Australia. Through summer league the two had the opportunity to build their NBA relationship.

"It's pretty perfect," Simmons said of his familiarity with players and coaches. "I couldn't ask for a better situation."

With summer league in the books, Simmons is now eyeing training camp. He plans to return to Philadelphia in a few weeks.

"Just keep working out," he said. "The past two months, I've really grown ... I'm getting a lot better, maturing my game. I'm going to stick to that."

And where does he want to improve his game? The answer stays consistent.

"Everywhere," Simmons said. "You can't grow too much."