The top-pick rookie tandem of Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz got a first taste of each other's talent during the start of training camp, combining Fultz's natural instincts at the position with Simmons' dynamic playmaking ability on the fast break.
The duo enjoyed the first few hours of their chemistry on the court, especially Fultz, who has come to an understanding of his role within the team.
“I love it,” Fultz told Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly. “You don't know what's going to happen. He's going to push it sometimes, I'm going to push it. I get to run the floor, I get to set screens for him, he gets to set screens for me. It's unpredictable.
“I feel sorry for the teams that are going to have to go against it.”
Simmons, who was victim of a Jones fracture that cut his rookie season short last year, has adjusted his game to morph into that of a point guard, including running the offense from a half court setting.
“I see a lot more [than last training camp],” Simmons said. “I know where people should be on the floor. I get them into their positions now, so it's a little bit different. I've got to be a vocal leader now. In terms of that, that just takes time.”
The Sixers know that to develop this duo, they'll have to go through plenty of rollercoasters to finally make it work, but the two rookies remain optimistic they'll jell together sooner than later.
“It was easier than I thought,” Fultz said of the first practice. “Going in, I think I put it so hard on myself that it couldn't be nothing but easier. It was still tough, but I still enjoyed it.”
The 76ers tip off their season on Oct. 18 on the road against the Washington Wizards.
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