Sixers 3 goals: Anfernee Simons needs to be a microwave scorer

In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 16 players, per Spotrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 14 under standard contracts and the two players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2026-27 season.

>The new season begins on Oct. 20, and training camp is right around the corner. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball.

>Up next in this series is new addition Anfernee Simons, one of the many new additions to the roster. Simons averaged 14.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 55 games split between the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls in the 2025-26 season.

>For Simons, his three goals are as follows:

Be that microwave scorer off the benchSimons has come off the bench in 226 of the 444 games he's played in his career and has averaged 14.9 points in his career. It's a good bet to believe he will continue that type of scoring for the Sixers. This is a team that has struggled at times to find legitimate bench scoring and that's where Simons specializes. If he can average somewhere around 13-to-15 points a night, then the Sixers will be in great shape. His ability to break down defenses, get into the paint, knock down deep 3-pointers, and find different ways to put the ball in the basket will be helpful.

Stabilize the second unitSimons becomes the backup point guard for Philadelphia as he begins his first go-around with the Sixers. He's always been a shoot-first guard, but he isn't selfish, either. If he can run offense efficiently while also finding ways to score the ball at his ruthless rate, then the Sixers will be in a great position. He and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will likely be the backcourt for the second unit and the two of them need to be the ones to stabilize things and make sure everybody is on the same page.

Get after it defensivelyDefense has always been on the back burner for Simons, but he is somebody who can make a difference on that end of the floor. He is quick enough to come up with steals, start breaks, and find ways to get his team some easy buckets. The Sixers would like to run and take advantage of the offensive players they have on this roster. If Simons can force some turnovers, use his quickness to get out and run in transition, and get Philadelphia moving, then he is going to be a big addition to this roster.

>This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers 3 goals: Anfernee Simons needs to be a microwave scorer