The dude had 13 assists, 8 rebounds, and played excellent defense with only 2 turnovers in 36 minutes. He only missed one free throw. He didn't shoot 8-24 from the floor (that was Harris). He didn't shoot 5-15 (that was the 76ers bench). He didn't get lit up by Huerter (that was Curry). He also wasn't the one who put himself on the bench at the end of the game when the team came up short offensively (that was Doc). I know he should be a better player, but he had about the best "bad game" I've ever seen someone have in a game 7.
Simmons' issue is in his head. His confidence on offense is shot. That kind of thing can be tricky. I'll never forget watching Sebastian Telfair psych himself out about three pointers. He could knock down three after three in warmups but as soon as he got in the game he would always take a step inside the line because he was afraid of the NBA three point line. If we can snag Simmons, we need a head coach who can really empower him. I think Dame will really help him (if he wants help), but this is EXACTLY the kind of buy-low All Star that we need. CJ isn't exactly the bell of the ball so a scuffed star is the best we can hope for. If we can fix his confidence, the guy could legit be a top 5 player in the league.
Not sure how this is relevant? Clearly the roster around him in Philly was not good enough to maximize his strengths. He was benched in the 4th and shot 3 total shots in the 4th quarters in a seven game series. You don't pay 31 million dollars for role players (unless you're Portland, I guess).
You're rolling the dice dude. A fully armed and operational Ben Simmons makes us a contender. I don't care how well CJ play, the team won't win with him as our starting shooting guard. So you roll the dice and hope that Simmons can work it out in Portland and give us the oomph to get over the hump. He's only 24. If we can unlock his potential on offense, he's a top 5 talent. We're not getting that kind of potential without some issues. What's the alternative? CJ for Harris? Is that really a contender? Dame Norm RoCo Harris Nurk That's a good team. No doubt. But is it a contender? I don't think so. I think you get Simmons and you move Nurk for another forward. I'm just wondering if some combination of Nurk/Simons/picks could pry Jerami Grant from Detroit. I don't think he fits their window. He's 27 and that team is nowhere near competing. They need young talent. We have a few young guys that we could piece together. Dame Norm RoCo Grant Simmons To me, that's a contender (if you can unlock Simmons' potential.)
???? this has nothing to do with the original post. All I said was you need to build your roster around Simmons, because you aren’t paying 31 million for a role player. I’m also on record multiple times for moving CJ and some firsts for Simmons. For all of Simmons faults, CJ has just as much. But there’s more that needs to be done than just changing CJ to Simmons.
Because you said that a team needed to be molded around him. I disagree. Other than his lack of shooting and poor free throw shooting (and the latter didn't hurt them yesterday)... he's very very good. He made the rest of the team better yesterday with his defense and his ball distribution. But they missed shots and Doc chose to bench him and play guys who failed. That's not his fault. Calling him a "role player" makes no sense. But you're also calling him a center, so... I don't know what to think. Haha
I was essentially agreeing with you that the risk of him being a 31 million role player was worth it.
Clearly you and I have completely different views on roster construction considering you think being a non shooter is okay. Play two non shooters and we can replicate what happened to Philly. Then people can bitch about Simmons taking up 30% of the cap and being a non factor in close games.
untapped in the sense that he just needs to play more minutes, ya. his trajectory still looks good over the past few years. only change has been in MPG but his efficiency has only increased.
He's not a young guy though. They have a few guys that are getting up there in age and should most likely be traded if they're going to rebuild.
I would pkg CJ and whoever necessary else to acquire Dillion Brooks. A 6'7" shooting guard / 3, that can play very solid Defense.
Brooks fits their timeline, CJ doesn't. I'd keep Brooks if I were them (or send Marshon Brooks again instead, lol).
Totally, Noel is a great great mobile big defender and lob target. I don't know his contract situation though.
Here's what I've done in our Mock Off-Season C.J. McCollum, 2022 1st, 2025 1st, 2022 2nd, 2026 2nd for Siakam and the 47th Pick (C.J. went to New York) C.J. Elleby for Jahlil Okafor and the 42nd Pick How am I doing so far?
