By Michael Bennett
With 2017 No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz missing last night’s Celtics game at the Wells with a shoulder injury, Ben Simmons was tested in a range of different positions, including point guard where he was given the assignment of guarding Boston star Kyrie Irving.
Simmons finished with eight points from 22 minutes on the floor, shooting three of eight from the field.
He also had five assists, three rebounds and three steals as the Sixers made it a 0-2 winless start to the pre-season with a 110-102 loss.
Simmons was given an early night and didn’t see any action in the last quarter. He was also forced to take a seat in the first half after picking up three early fouls.
Simmons was also tested in the paint with coach Brett Brown delivering on his promise to give Simmons a chance to show what he can do posting up near the rim.
While an alley-oop dunk featured at the top of the 21-year-old’s highlights reel, Simmons’ most impressive display came at the other end of the court when he was called on to guard Irving in what should have been a clear mismatch.
