The Sixers’ road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, 121-105, came with a different way to better aid Jimmy Butler in reaching his maximum potential as a Sixer.
A few instances when Ben Simmons was resting, Butler ran the point, something Brett Brown teased before tipoff.
“You’re going to continue to see Wilson at a four and a three,” Brown said. “You’ll see Jimmy as a point guard tonight. You’ll see Corey as a three and a two. You’ll see Mike as a five [Bolden out] and a four. You’ll see Ben more tilted at times to a four.”
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Brown has admitted that he’s been tasked with a tough job in fitting Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler together offensively while simultaneously making each one happy. Getting the ball in Butler's hand to start the offense is a better opportunity for the ISOs and pick-and-rolls he wants.
What does this mean for the Sixers? More reliability.
Since the departure of Markelle Fultz with thoracic outlet syndrome, the backup point guard has primarily been T.J. McConnell. While McConnell brings energy, he has his deficiencies. Keeping his minutes under 20 per game will help the team on both ends.
Brown is also thinking about the playoffs. Giving Simmons more time at the four and starting to place Butler at the point may be a plausible way to switch things up in a potential long seven-game series.
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“Whatever helps the team win,” Ben Simmons said before the game. “It’s new. I’m adjusting but at the same time, I’m always up for the challenge. I think it’s going to be great that I’ll be able to move around on the floor and be in different positions for the team.”
Following up with Simmons after the game, he reiterated that Butler playing point while he’s resting takes pressure off of him.
That pressure off of Simmons' shoulder can elevate this team.
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