# Sixers player preview: Will Anfernee Simons become an elite bench guard?

> Anfernee Simons' three-point shooting could elevate Sixers' bench as LeBron James joins the team.
- Title: Sixers player preview: Will Anfernee Simons become an elite…
- Summary: Anfernee Simons' three-point shooting could elevate Sixers' bench as LeBron James joins the team. Simons' elite three-point shooting can be a key offensive…
- Keywords: anfernee simons, sixers, nba, lebron james, bench guard, three-point shooting, phillyvoice, defense, playoffs, roster, jaylen brown, joel embiid
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/sixers-news-analysis-anfernee-simons-stats-contract-interview-highlights-career-nba-rumors-roster-press-conference
- Published: 2026-09-22T12:51:19.457+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: anfernee simons, sixers, nba, lebron james, bench guard, three-point shooting, phillyvoice, defense, playoffs, roster, jaylen brown, joel embiid
## Simons' shooting prowess
Anfernee Simons is one of the NBA's most accomplished three-point shooters with a long history of starting.

> Anfernee Simons is one of the most accomplished three-point shooters in the NBA.
## Sixers' new roster
The Sixers acquired Jaylen Brown from Boston and LeBron James, creating a championship-caliber team.
## Defensive concerns
Simons is one of the NBA's worst defenders due to size and focus issues.

> Anfernee Simons routinely grades as one of the worst defensive players in the NBA, thanks in large part to his lack of size and strength.
## Offensive impact
Simons can be a lethal three-point shooter from beyond the arc without needing to handle the ball.

> Anfernee Simons has typically functioned as an on-ball player shooting lots of pull-up three-pointers, but he can also spot up from well beyond the arc.
## Playoff role
The Sixers may rely on Simons for 20+ minutes in playoffs if the team's defense improves.
## Team dynamics
Simons could develop a strong rapport with Joel Embiid, enhancing his offensive impact.

> Exactly how the Sixers divide Simons' minutes between initiating offense, operating in two-man actions with Embiid, spotting up for threes and running around screens will be an interesting subplot to monitor.
## Usage potential
Simons' role as a bench shooter could be more valuable than his ball-handling abilities.

> Anfernee Simons has a good mix of off-the-dribble scoring abilities, from long pull-up threes to some mid-range work and occasional pressuring of the rim.
## Defensive trade-off
The Sixers' defense may mask Simons' weaknesses if they improve team defense.

> If the Sixers struggle to get consistent stops as a team, it will be harder to envision Simons playing a role of remote significance in important games.
## Key question
Can Simons prove himself as one of the game's best bench guards with the Sixers' new roster?
## Playoff readiness
Simons' offensive impact could be significant if the Sixers' defense improves.
## Team chemistry
Simons' relationship with Joel Embiid could be crucial for his offensive effectiveness.

> He should develop a strong rapport with Embiid, as many guards before him have done, from Redick to Seth Curry to Maxey to Jared McCain.
## Roster depth
The Sixers have depth around Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
## Defensive limitations
Simons' defensive weaknesses could limit his role in playoff games.

> If Simons is a very bad defender, one of the NBA's worst, even, the Sixers can survive relying on his offense off the bench.
## Offensive versatility
Simons can spot up for threes and create scoring opportunities without heavy ball-handling.
## Key takeaway

Simons' elite three-point shooting can be a key offensive asset for the Sixers despite defensive weaknesses.