NBA season preview: 5 big questions for Philadelphia 76ers

5. Who plays point guard once Ben Simmons leaves?

The 76ers currently have Simmons as their starting point guard, but the prevailing wisdom is that won’t last. Eventually, the 76ers are going to need to find another point guard to start for them. There aren’t any point guards really available on the trade market that would work as an upgrade, so they are going to have to promote from within.

Shake Milton and Tyrese Maxey seem to be the most likely options to take over point guard duties. Maxey has looked like the better player in the preseason. He has a fearlessness the Sixers could use. Sure, every so often he looks like he starts a play without a plan, but his floater gets him out of a lot of jams. This preseason, he’s been the clear point guard to start. In two games, he’s looked solid with the starters and can make his own plays, which the 76ers could sorely use if it’s the Embiid show.

Milton hasn’t been nearly as good. He’s inconsistent with the ball in his hand, and there are times where the play seems wrong. He does, however, lead the Sixers in assists, and he’s third on the team in minutes. Although, he’s just barely averaging more minutes than Maxey.

Doc Rivers seems committed to trying out both point guards until someone makes it clear they are the starter. Replacing Simmons will be a tall task, but the Sixers might have the right combination of players to find the right match.