Why the Chicago Bulls can upset the Philadelphia 76ers opening night

Key no. 2: Make life difficult for Simmons

There might not be a more quiet star in the NBA than Ben Simmons. Remember when the Bulls got their hands on Michael Carter-Williams and fans though, “Hey, look, a big point guard. Maybe we’ve got something here?”

Okay, so barely any fans ever said that.

But, the Sixers do indeed have themselves an enormous point guard in Simmons. The guy can play essentially any position on the floor and have success. But, he’s at his best when he is a facilitator.

For those who may not be tracking, Simmons is a 6-foot-10, 22-year-old playmaker at the point guard position. Sure, the Sixers have Markelle Fultz who they drafted no. 1 overall at one point, but it’s Simmons who is stealing the show at the point guard position.

Philadelphia likes to use him in a variety of ways, taking away advantages of opponents in many ways. But, offensively, the team goes as Simmons goes. We’re talking about a guy who averaged 15.8 points, 8.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds as a truly position-less player.

If the offense goes as Simmons goes, it’s pretty simple for the Bulls: Make life difficult for him.

It’s easier said than done, but when Simmons has space to make decisions, he’s great. Limiting his space is most likely going to fall on either Kris Dunn or Zach LaVine — maybe both. It’s going to take a team effort to make him uncomfortable, but if they can do that, the Sixers’ offense will be put in a tough spot.