The Diminishing Value of Ben Simmons
By: Akash Rana
The 25-year old All Star and All Defensive Team Player has been very vocal this offseason on wanting out of Philadelphia. Simmons has been hated by fans of the organization for his awful free throw performances; as well as his continued stretch of not being able to make a shot outside of the paint. The situation hit its peak during the NBA playoffs where Simmons made 15 free throws of his 45 attempts, as well showing signs of him losing confidence and passing on open shots.
Simmons is still a great basketball player and deserves another opportunity. The NBA is a shooters league, and he does need to develop some sort of mid-range game. Simmons is 6`10 and a top 3 defender in the league: probably the best at the Point Guard position. Free throws are a fundamental aspect of the sport and Simmons plays a position where Point Guards are on average knocking down 78.8% of their free throws.
Simmons has averaged 15.9 points per game, 7.7 assists per game, 8.1 rebounds per game, and even averaged 1.7 steals per game during his 4 year career. He has been more than solid, I think we can all agree on that.
Potential Trade Packages for Ben Simmons
1. Spurs
Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and two future First Round picks
for
Ben Simmons
If there is any team or coach that can fix Ben Simmons, it is Gregg Popovich and the Spurs. The Spurs have missed the playoffs back to back years and need to switch up their process. Their roster still needs some adjustments as they lost Rudy Gay, Patty Mills, and DeMar DeRozan this offseason but having a young star in Ben Simmons can help with the rebuild.
As for Philly, Murray is a stud of a point guard; highly underrated. On most nights, he is on the edge of a triple double. Derrick White is a dynamic wing that can be very flexible in the rotation for the 76ers and provide a lot of upside for that offense. The first round picks could be very useful, as the Spurs are on the bottom end of the Western Conference and could potentially be without Gregg Popovich in the coming years. Those picks are very likely to be high lottery picks.
2. Raptors
Pascal Siakam, Goran Dragic
for
Ben Simmons and a future 2nd round pick
This transaction would be beneficial for both sides, in which they essentially are exchanging stars. I think Simmons brings a little more value than Siakam, which is why I think Dragic is needed as well. Dragic probably has a couple more years but has been very reliable on the offensive end; as he is able to create his own shot and knock down the 3 ball at a consistent rate. It gives the 76ers a veteran point guard who can play minutes and Siakam gives them a stretch 4 that can help provide space for Embiid in the paint.
3. Cavaliers
Collin Sexton, Kevin Love, Isaac Okoro and a future First Round pick
for
Ben Simmons, Seth Curry
There has been some rumors Collin Sexton wanting out of Cleveland. Sexton is a future All-Star and was on a tear this prior season; averaging 24.3 points per game and 4.4 assists per game. The 22 year old is due for a big contract soon, and will have a better opportunity to be successful in Philadelphia versus Cleveland. Kevin Love`s career is over and his contract would just help offset the money from Simmons contract. Okoro was the 5th overall pick last year and was a solid 3 and D wing player who showed flashes of his athletic abilities. I have 76ers giving up Seth Curry as well to even out the first round pick and Okoro because both teams can exchange a shooter. The Cavaliers are a very confusing team right now; as the last 3–4 years they have been picking up random big men and creating some interesting rotations. Simmons to the Cavaliers gives him a fresh start with a team with low expectations, which could help him with his development for his woes.
