Guard Ben Simmons has been sizzling hot during the Philadelphia 76ers’ 10-game win streak, averaging 13.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and 11.8 assists per game. That triple-double average is an impressive one and may have given him a final edge in the Kia Rookie of the Year Award chase, too.

As much as his play on the court is speaking volumes about him, so too are his words themselves. Jessica Camerato of NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com reports on how Simmons has taken on more of a leadership role for the Sixers as the season has waned. It has been particularly valuable for Philadelphia as it deals with Joel Embiid’s injury and other late-season issues:

“He’s just using it (his voice) more,” Brett Brown said. “He isn’t a man of many words. And it’s fine, everybody leads in different ways. But when he’s got something to say, he says it and people hear that.”

…

Simmons has been storming through the box scores and has become a nightly triple-double threat. His 11 triple-doubles are third-most in the NBA behind only Russell Westbrook and LeBron James, while his 35 double-doubles rank 13th. He’s passed Magic Johnson for second-most triple-doubles by a rookie.

“It’s getting a lot easier,” Simmons said. “Just reading the plays, knowing how guys want to play with me, how they cut, where they want to get their shots from, it’s just easier for me to pass the ball and get them open shots.”

Simmons has stepped up in the absence of Joel Embiid, who is sidelined by an orbital fracture and concussion. He has combined for 33 points, 20 rebounds, 26 assists, four blocks, four steals and just three turnovers in the last two games without Embiid as the Sixers push for home-court advantage.

“At the start of the season I was just trying to find my place,” Simmons said. “Knowing that I’m the point guard of the team and having the ball in my hands a lot of the time, I need to be a lot more vocal and be one of the leaders on the floor.”

The Sixers host the Brooklyn Nets tonight (7 ET, NBA League Pass).

* * *