CAMDEN, N.J. -- Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is a big man with many talents. There isn't much on the floor that Embiid can't do as he can score at all three levels, rebound the basketball, is getting after it again defensively, and he's an underrated playmaker.
Embiid has great vision on the basketball court and is a willing passer in an effort to get the Sixers into an offensive rhythm. There is one player, in particular, that he is excited about growing a partnership with on the floor and that's new addition Anfernee Simons.
"Obviously, we added a few guys this summer, but he was probably one I was most excited about because I just love that type of dynamic shooter," Embiid said of Simons. "I've had JJ (Redick), I've had a couple guys,
and I felt like I could help them a lot. You know, create space and make plays for them and put them in position to succeed, and get them paid. So, I'm still working on that and trying to find what he’s comfortable with and also help him and put him in the best position to succeed."
Simons is having a tough start to the season in terms of shooting the ball, 5-for-21 from deep through four games, but he is somebody who can benefit greatly from playing next to Embiid. He is a career 38% shooter from deep so he will certainly find his groove with the Sixers and he is somebody who can succeed off DHOs and actions of that nature next to the big fella.
"It's going good," Simons said of his relationship with Embiid. "In the Milwaukee game, we got a couple good possessions where we had a good relationship where I was able to get some good looks and some three. And I think the more we out there together, the more comfortable we get from each other. It's just a matter of getting those live looks each and every game."
With that being said, it's not just the on-court reps that will make their relationship grow, but also the stuff off the court. The two have sat down and watched film and have had long discussions about what works for the two of them. Those conversations then translate to the court.
"I think after our last practice, we spent some time after practice just going over pick-and-roll stuff with me and Jo," Simons added. "I think whether I want to pitch it to him or want to come off with the ball in my hand. Just build a relationship on how we want to play that two-man game. So I think obviously both, like I said, going to live reps and also practicing things after practice and having constant dialogue."
The Sixers will look to continue growing as a team when they take on the Indiana Pacers on the road on Wednesday night.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 76ers' Joel Embiid, Anfernee Simons talk growing on-court relationship
