Ben Simmons struggling with growing pains in Sixers’ win over Utah

Ben Simmons starred with some classy cameo plays in a gutsy 76ers win, but NBA commentators have declared the Aussie is “disappearing”.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Joel Embiid #21, Ben Simmons #25, and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate in front of Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during a timeout in the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on November 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Jazz 113-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Philadelphia coach Brett Brown is OK with it and Ben Simmons is beginning to be OK with how it’s looking — but Sixers commentators don’t have the same faith in the Australian’s ability to dominate a contest with superstar teammate Jimmy Butler on the same court.

Simmons’ new partnership with Butler continues to be the big question mark hanging over the 76ers since their dramatic trade for the four-time NBA All Star was announced last week.

There were more than a few positive signs on Saturday (AEDT) as Butler finished with a team-high 28 points, shooting 12 of 15 from the field, as the Sixers held their nerve down the stretch to defeat the Utah Jazz 113-107 at the Wells Fargo Centre.

The victory has taken the heat off, but the issue of Simmons and Butler finding their feet as teammates remained one of the big talking points to emerge from Philadelphia’s 10th win of the season.

Simmons finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists — but his struggles to make an impact on the game without the ball in his hands continues to concern Sixers analysts.

They got it done.

With Butler demanding more of the ball, there are concerns Simmons’ offensive development could be blunted.

The 22-year-old was called “lost” and at risk of “disappearing” while the Jazz fought back in the second quarter.

Coach Brown admitted after the game that Simmons will be the hardest-hit player from Butler’s arrival.

“I think out of anybody that’s going to experience the biggest adjustment it’s going to be him,” Brown said, according to Atlantic City Press.

“You have a high-usage guy coming in. J.J. (Redick) does his thing, and Joel does his thing. We’d all be quite naive to think there’s not a little bit of a vacuum that’s seemingly directed toward him (Simmons).”

One thing you'll start seeing with Jimmy Butler & the 76ers: The Case of the Disappearing Ben Simmons. Getting to double-digits in scoring is going to be really hard for him and his impact on games will lessen.

— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) November 17, 2018

And a part of tonight’s story is Jimmy Butler bailed out Ben Simmons...who was awful against the #Jazz minus his HUGE bucket down the stretch #Sixers https://t.co/E4WQ8xby68

— Dave Uram (@MrUram) November 17, 2018

Ben Simmons looks absolutely lost right now at both ends.

— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) November 17, 2018

Simmons has looked poor offensively since. Unsure of himself.

— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) November 17, 2018

Simmons and Butler began to show some natural chemistry down the stretch as they came from behind in the final few minutes with some clutch game-winning plays.

Simmons also tossed up a brave in-bounds pass from the sideline to Butler underneath the hoop to seal the game with 20 seconds to play.

The Australian admitted after the game he has found it “frustrating at times” as the team finds its natural rhythm with Butler on the floor — but is comfortable with the direction the team is heading in.

“It’s been at times frustrating, just because you don’t know what the team wants, or needs from you,” Simmons said.

“This game I’ve felt a lot more comfortable, and know what coach wants from me.”

Ben Simmons on altering his game with addition of Butler: "It's been at times frustrating, just because you don't know what the team wants, or needs from you." "This game I've felt a lot more comfortable, and know what coach wants from me"

— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) November 17, 2018

Simmons also praised Butler and the partnership they are building together.

“He knows how to play the game at a high level,” Simmons said.

“His IQ is very high. He’s the kind of guy where the inbound play, where I threw it to him, that was going to happen before I threw it. Some guys you look at it and know it’s really going to happen.”

The Rookie Of The Year and Donovan Mitchell.

That moment will be enough to satisfy Brown and hold off critics of the Butler trade for now.

Brown even admitted before the game that the first third of the season will be “uncomfortable” for his team while they gel.

“The ecosystem is rocky right now,” he said.

“In an uncomfortable sort of environment. Not harmful, uncomfortable, where we’re all sort of figuring stuff out.”

Simmons perhaps has the most to figure out as they head to face the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday (AEDT).