Anfernee Simons Could Be 76ers' Top Bench Player

The bench for the Philadelphia 76ers will play a key role this season. The additions of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James have put the expectations higher than ever before. That’s why adding bench depth was so important. 

The team started by adding Dean Wade. The former Cavalier had been prominent in Cleveland’s success, and the hope is that he’ll do the same in Philadelphia. However, there’s one very important signing that many aren't talking about, Anfernee Simon. This is a player that will be playing a major role on the team. 

Simon was a great player for the Portland Trailblazers when they were in a rebuild. He carried the team averaging over 20 points per game in three of his six years there, earning praise within the locker room. His best season was 2022-2023, where he averaged 22.6 points a game. 

After bouncing around from Boston to Chicago, now he may have finally found a home with the 76ers. Simon’s is a lengthy guard, standing with a 6'3" frame and 81-inch wingspan, a measurement that can be a problem for anyone. He has traits similar to that of Shaun Livingston of the Golden Stare Warrior. 

His midrange game is nearly identical to Livingston's. However, Simon has a bit more touch on his releases. There has been so much talk about the starters that Simon felt he had to show out in his workout videos. 

Simon has already pitched that he wants to win sixth man of the year; this team will allow him to do just that. With this team he won’t have the same burdens that he did in Portland. Simons was the top guy who had to make everything happen with a depleted roster. 

Head coach Nick Nurse will make sure that Simons is utilized to the fullest. At this point, he can be a real headache for smaller guards. If he’s put at his natural position, shooting guard, then he’ll be a scoring machine able to score from anywhere in the court. 

Playing with these all-stars is sure to help elevate his playmaking ability.  There’s never been this much talent at Simon's disposal. Even when he plays with the second unit, the caliber of players from Boston & Portland are astronomically different. 

He could be the unsung star of that second unit; his talent will surpass anyone out there with him. While that is true, it’s going to be much worse if he is rotated in with the starters. His adaptability to any situation is part of what brought him to Philadelphia. 

Simons may be vying for the Sixth Man of the Year, but the talent on this team could propel him to career highs.