Joel Embiid will have a new teammate in Anfernee Simons, a scoring guard who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
What happened?
The Sixers acquired Simons to address their need for ball-handling and bench scoring.
Simons is a career 14.9 points per game scorer and 38.1% 3-point shooter.
Why it matters for Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid, the 2023 MVP winner, averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 38 games in the 2025-26 season despite battling injuries.
Simons' skills will complement Embiid's game, making it easier for him to score.
What comes next?
Anfernee Simons said Joel Embiid is a force on the court, drawing double teams and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Simons shot 42.9% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers in the 2025-26 season, a valuable asset playing next to Joel Embiid.
The new guard loves to get catch-and-shoot opportunities, which will create space for Joel Embiid to operate.
Simons has developed into a reliable 3-point shooter, with a 38.5% success rate on 6.9 attempts per game in the 2025-26 season.
This production will be a significant boost for the Philadelphia 76ers, especially with Joel Embiid on the court.
Anfernee Simons has worked on his shot, adjusting to the NBA 3-point line after a slow start in Portland.
He eventually became a pretty good 3-point shooter, which will be essential in his new role with the Sixers.
The addition of Simons will give the 76ers a new dimension on offense, with Joel Embiid as the centerpiece.
As the season approaches, the combination of Joel Embiid and Anfernee Simons will be one to watch in the NBA.