Game Info:
Philadelphia 76ers vs NBA D-League Select team: July 13, 6:30 p.m. (ET)
How to Watch: NBATV
Facing the D-League’s Best
In the first round of tournament play, the Sixers face the NBA D-League Select team. The team is made up of the NBA D-League’s top prospects, and has compiled a record of 2-1 in Vegas league play.
Unlike other teams in the summer league, the D-League Select team benefits from every member having at least some professional experience.
The team’s leading scorer is Jaron Johnson, who is a member of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Johnson, who attended Tyler Junior College, has averaged 12.5 points in two games in Vegas.
Quick Hits From Tuesday
Key Matchup to Watch: Jaron Johnson vs Ben Simmons
Like Simmons, Johnson has done a nice job contributing in more ways than one; so far in Vegas league play, Johnson is averaging 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists to go with his 12.5 points per contest.
The D-League Select member’s summer statline is similar to Simmons’, who is averaging 11.3 points, seven rebounds and 5.3 assists through three games in the desert.
Additionally, the 6’6″ Johnson averaged 18.2 points during the 2015-16 season, which is one point fewer than Simmons posted last year at LSU.
It’s also worth noting Simmons gets a chance to compete in a tournament-style setting after missing out on the NCAA Tournament in his lone college season.
Quote of the Day: Simmons on being compared to other players
“I play like Ben Simmons. I try not to compare myself to other players, but there’s guys that I look at, and (I) try to take parts of their game and implement them into mine.”
