Doc Rivers is not worried one bit about Ben Simmons' lackluster performance as the Philadelphia 76ers dropped just their fifth home loss against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. The three-time All-Star was rather invisible for the Sixers on Sunday after tallying a low-end stat line of just seven points, seven rebounds, and four assists. But according to the first-year Philly head coach, Simmons' scoring output is the least of his concerns.
“I think you guys are way more concerned about Ben's scoring than I am,” Rivers said after the 116-110 loss (via Noah Levick of NBCS Philly).
"I think you guys are way more concerned about Ben's scoring than I am," Doc Rivers says.
— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) April 5, 2021
To echo Rivers' point, Simmons isn't really known for his scoring. He's been averaging just 16.2 points per game over the course of his stay in Philadelphia and everyone in that locker room knows that Simmons' imprint goes way past these markers. The 24-year old has developed into being one of the best all-around players in the league and has simultaneously grown to be one of the best defenders in the league as well.
“Ben does so many things to help us win. Scoring is the least thing I worry about with him.” Rivers added (via Tom Moore of the Bucks County Courier Times).
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers: 'Ben does so many things to help us win. Scoring is the least thing I worry about with him.'
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) April 5, 2021
That being said, Simmons' impact on the Sixers' offense on Sunday was a bit of a disappointment given that he only put up a total of six shots which clearly didn't help Philadelphia's cause. With their leading MVP candidate Joel Embiid still missing time, one would expect Simmons to try and be more assertive on offense and maybe put up at least double-digit points, at the very least.
But, as Doc puts it, as long as he's fine with Simmons' contribution then maybe we should stop being too concerned about it.
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