Two former 76ers No. 1 picks getting second chances in Pacific Division

Simmons will make his debut with the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday night in Salt Lake City against the Utah Jazz. Los Angeles plans to use him as their backup point guard, a prospect that new teammate Kawhi Leonard is excited about, given Simmons' defensive versatility and passing (6.9 assists in 25 minutes this season).

Fultz hasn't played this season, but the Sacramento Kings desperately need another point guard after trading De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. 

The 26-year-old Fultz was a solid backup point guard for the Orlando Magic last season, but lost his roster spot thanks to Orlando's surplus of young talent. He's also expected to make his debut Thursday, against the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Simmons was a three-time All-Star and made the All-Defensive first team twice for the Sixers, but after being blamed for the 76ers' upset loss in the 2021 playoffs, he demanded a trade and held out for the entire 2021-22 season. After a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, Simmons' injuries limited him to 90 games in three seasons.

Fultz immediately lost the ability to shoot during his rookie year in Philadelphia, and was later diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. He was traded to the Magic during his second season. Less than one year after the trade, Fultz's career was derailed again when he suffered an ACL tear. Like Simmons, his shooting has always been a weakness.

Both players are in positions to succeed. Simmons fits in with a Clippers team that doesn't need him to shoot, but values his tough defense and ability to take some ball handling responsibilities from James Harden. 

Fultz likewise just needs to get the ball to DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk, while checking the other team's opposing guards for 12-15 minutes.

Best of all, both players will be freed from the high expectations that might have hamstrung them in the past. They're in a new conference, on the other side of the country, still well short of their 30th birthdays. Moving to California could be just the thing to restart their NBA careers.