I think it's a moderate risk, high reward kind of thing. If he's exactly the kind of guy he is now for the next decade, that's more than enough to replace CJ. But I think he'd become much more than that in Portland. We've got an outstanding track record of developing shooting. If there's a team that can turn his greatest weakness into at least a push, it's Portland.
I guess you are right and in the end I also would go for it - more potential then downsides (or as you mentioned it just a moderate risk). And if he learns to shoot and beliefs in his own shooting he can become a monster.
That's just it. At worst he's an All-Star/All-Defense caliber player. At best you unlock his offensive skillset and he becomes a top 5/top 10 player in the league.
There are times I talk myself into giving up Covington for him as well as CJ. And maybe more. It's all based on how likely it is we can unlock that skillset. It's a massive risk to go all in on him if it becomes a bidding war. But you have to at least consider it. We are probably not going to win a championship without at least one more top 10 player. He may be our best shot at one.
You guys are straight up crazy to think trading Simmons for CJ is a good trade and a trade we should make. Simmons needs the ball in his hands, to run the offense. You can’t have someone with that bad of FT with the ball at the end of games, the man shot 34% this past series the worse ever in a series guys. Overall bad FT shooter. He is mentally in a rut now as well. Doesn’t want the ball in his hands at the end of the game. cant hit a 3, cant spread the floor. More ppl will continue to trap Dame. Remember when guys were pissed when Aminu couldn’t hit 3’s and they would just leave him and Harkless open in the playoffs. on top of all of that; have you seen the articles on him? Of the quotes he said after game 7? He doesn’t work on his game, has family in his ears and only yes men around him. Sounds like he content and someone that doesn’t care to improve. Heck he has actually regressed since his rookie year cj has his flaws yes, and maybe it’s time for him to move on. But not for Simmons lmao. this is way worse! You guys should be ashamed of yourself for thinking this is a good trade.
I hate to say this, because at this point I'm out on Neil, but I have to wonder if his relationship and goodwill building might pay off here with all of these potential red flags re. Simmons. Perhaps the biggest challenge -- even bigger than getting a deal ironed out with Philly -- will be getting to the core truth about Simmons as a player and a person. It doesn't seem like a coincidence that all of these issues are suddenly coming up after a brutal series, and clearly there are confidence issues with his game. But getting to the bottom of how real his work ethic, coachability, and fit issues are will be absolutely crucial if we're actually looking into a deal here. If they're being overblown either by us to drive his price down or by jilted Philly fans/media, then he presents an incredible buying opportunity. If they're real, he may not be worth it. I'm out on CJ too, but if Simmons really is uncoachable, has bad worth ethic, etc., let's go find another deal. Hopefully Neil's able to use those relationships he's fostered over his career to find out what's what...
Let's say it is 50/50 chance for bust. It could be good move, if we hadn't have wasted last 5 years of Dame's career. Now, Powell was great addition and at this point we need another proven instant hit guy, not another experiment season. If we get Ben and he will cost us playoffs, Dame will go elsewhere. I wouldn't ask Dame about coach, I wouldn't ask him about CJ, but in this case I would ask Dame if he wants to take this risk.
There's no way we miss the playoffs with Dame/Norm/Ben/RoCo unless there's some injuries. Not going to happen. Dame has drug worse teams into the postseason by himself.
I should write "cost us playoff run with 32% ft and sudden drop of confidence". I ment another first round exit. Ben is not even here and whole league knows how to stop us in playoffs next season)
Update: Should the Blazers explore a trade for Ben Simmons? Yes 65.56% (3,149 votes) No 34.44% (1,654 votes) Total Votes: 4,803 I can't believe that this line is holding after over two times the vote has been cast since I first saw it. Fucking crazy. Look at that question... a simple yes or no about if we should even explore a Ben Simmons trade. I'm guessing a lot of these people taking this poll are answering whether they would trade CJ for him, instead of answering the actual poll question and the people saying no still have my mind boggled.
This may be the rare instance where both fanbases agree but neither GM would ever consider it. Usually it's the fanbases who overrate the value of their player to the other team.
I hope that it is always the fanbase that overrate/underrate value of players compared to GMs. But at least it is arguable that there seem to be a fit for both.
Still think OKC would be an interesting place for Ben Simmons, and Philly could actually use (the otherwise way overpaid) Kemba Walker. Then OKC could use their bazillion draft picks to pick the right kind of players to put round Simmons (i.e., players who are suited to the transition game but also hit open threes). Apparently Hollinger thinks OKC wins this, but you know Philly would jump all over getting SGA.
If they do that they better deal Draymond. I can't even imagine those two on the floor at the same time. OOOOOO Would you do this trade? I'm not sure I wouldn't just want Simmons, but Draymond would probably fit better short term and Wiseman would be a nice longterm piece. Trade Nurk for something else. Dame Norm RoCo Draymond Nurk
