Indiana Pacers: Will Domantas Sabonis continue to improve?

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 05: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers is introduced prior to the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 05, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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Ben Simmons – Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /

Ben Simmons – Philadelphia 76ers

2018-19: 79 GP, 16.9 PPG, 56.3 FG%, 8.8 RPG, 7.7 AST, 1.4 STL
2019-20: 57 GP, 16.4 PPG, 58 FG%, 7.8 RPG, 8.0 AST 2.1 STL

Similar to Embiid, Simmons missed his entire rookie campaign before being named the league’s Rookie of the Year in 2017-18. He joined a team mixed with veteran leadership and young talent that earned the three seed in the Eastern Conference.

It was 2018-19 when Simmons became an All-Star for the first time after nearly averaging a triple-double. At 6’10”, 240-pounds, Simmons is often used as a primary ball-handler and he has thrived in the role.

Consistency has been the name of the game for Simmons. For each of the past three seasons, he has averaged 15.8, 16.9, and 16.4 points per game. Even better, Simmons rebound averages have been 8.1, 8.8, and 7.8. Even more incredibly, Simmons has dished out 8.2, 7.7, and 8.0. That consistency helped get Philadelphia back to the playoffs last season despite some questionable roster decisions leading to the team being swept by the Boston Celtics in the opening round.

Comparing Ben Simmons to Domantas Sabonis is a bit of a stretch. The only way they are almost the same size as humans, but their play styles are nearly the exact opposite. If Sabonis can find the same sense of consistency, Pacers fans will be incredibly happy.

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