The Philadelphia 76ers kicked off training camp Tuesday, and Ben Simmons was nowhere in sight. Following his trade request this summer, the three-time All-Star remains intent on distancing himself from the team until he is moved elsewhere.

While Doc Rivers is still hopeful that Simmons will eventually show, he has to prepare for the reality that he doesn't. As of now, his focus is on getting the group of players present ready for the upcoming regular season.

There are two big holes the Sixers will have to fill with Simmons no longer in the mix: defense and facilitation. Since Simmons first stepped foot on an NBA court for the Sixers, he has been the maestro of the offense. Replacing his high-level facilitating will not be easy, but Rivers is up for the challenge.

Following the team's first day of camp on Tuesday, Rivers touched on adapting to playing without Simmons. In previous years, just one player was running the show. Moving forward, Rivers is going with a different plan of attack.

“Tyrese [Maxey] will bring it up a lot, but if Tobias [Harris] gets it, I want him to break out with it. Seth [Curry], I don't want him to wait. Last year with Ben [Simmons], we more gave it to him every time because of his ability to get to the paint and make plays. This year, we'll probably do something different,” said Rivers Tuesday.

Point guard by committee is undoubtedly the right move for the Sixers without Simmons' services. No one player can replace what he brings as a passer. It will take a collective effort from the group, especially because there is no true point guard currently on the roster.

Maxey ran with the starters on the first day of camp, indicating that he will get first cracks at taking Simmons' place as the fifth starter. The young guard has grown as a passer but still might not be labeled a true point guard. Rivers even said Tuesday it is going to take some time for him to grow into a point guard.

Using Tobias Harris more on the ball is an interesting avenue for Rivers to pursue. We saw him used in the point forward role at times last year when running the second unit and saw success. Not to mention Harris posted a career-high mark in assists last season at just under four per game.

Luckily for Rivers, he has optionality in the starting lineup when it comes to handling the ball. Between Maxey, Harris, and Curry, there are multiple players to put the ball on the floor and initiate the offense.

These players might also be able to provide a different dynamic at the top with their ability to score on the perimeter. Upping the pick-and-roll usage was a goal for Rivers last season, and there could be another increase now that new faces will be setting the table on offense.

This new approach certainly will have growing pains but is the best option for the Sixers as they look to fill the hole that Simmons has left.