I'm kind of obsessed with the Sixers. They SHOULD be SO GOOD (kind of like we thought the Roy-Aldridge-Oden Blazers were going to be). Hinkie's "Process" gave them a foundation to be a dynasty. But they keep fucking it up! What's the problem? Part of it seems to be that Simmons and Embiid just don't really work together. Maybe that's Simmons' fault? I want him to be a superstar because he's like Rajon Rondo (one of my fave players ever) in a forward's body, but what's with the weird reluctance to shoot threes? And has he ever actually won anywhere? Or maybe that's Embiid's fault? He can absolutely dominate when he wants, but then he can also vanish, and he looks like a real injury risk. Also: why the fuck did they spend all that money on Horford when he clearly doesn't work with Embiid? So: here's my suggestion (which, as you can see, doesn't actually work, but maybe could be the basis of a trade that DOES work): The basic idea is to get Chris Paul a real shot at a title, while giving OKC a star to build around. This might look a bit unfair to Philly, because they get Paul AND SGA, but Paul is ancient and has a ginormous contract. Basically Paul for Horford is two untradeable contracts being swapped, and then Simmons for SGA is two young starlets being swapped. Maybe swap SGA out for Bazely or something? I don't really care enough about OKC to worry. But I think if Philly have to pick one star to go with, they should probably pick Embiid. He's the guy who, when he's on, is as good as anyone in the league. He could be a bigger Anthony Davis if he really wanted it. And I don't think he doesn't care - he was genuinely distraught after Kawhi's "the shot" last year. Anyone else got opinions?
It's really fairly simple... Just has to wait until the new 'season' begins. On O, Ben would be PG, Dame as SG, & Trent as SF. On D, Dame would be PG, Trent as SG, and Ben as SF.
Embiid is not the issue. They lose all their minutes when Embiid is off the floor. Their problem is making sure the team doesn't nosedive when he's out of the game and then maximizing the effectiveness of the minutes that both Embiid and Simmons are on the floor at the same time.
I think to land Ben we’d have to do CJ, Zach/Simons, and two 1st rounders at the very least. I’d still probably do it. However, we would need to make some smart and cheap frontcourt signings.
Is it though? Simmons is gonna be a top 10 player for a decade most likely AND he is on a 5 year deal.
That'd be a tough call. I'd be game for CJ+Simons+'20 1st. Any more than that, and I'm starting to get cold feet.
We are talking about obtaining a 24 year old, multiple time all-star, former RoY, and on a long contract player. It’s gonna cost a lot and it is likely worth it. Older players who wanna ring chase will take less if we have a Big 3 of Lillard, Simmons, and Nurk.
I'd be on board if I were comfortable that Simmons would develop range beyond 10' from the basket. Dame is best when he drives to the basket. Nurk needs to be close to the basket. Ben would just add one more person who needs to be close to the basket...potentially clogging things up.
Simmons is an terrible fit next to Lillard. Why would we get a 2nd player that's a WORSE fit than our current 2nd player? Gotta focus on fit and cohesion and that's what you're missing when you're just analyzing things based off of "ROY, All-Star" etc.
as per normal our issues are front court imo, not back. SF/PF is still a mystery at this point. if we could get someone like brandon clarke id be stoked. dreaming i know, but simons? zach? little? something?
I have an irrational fandom for Ben and think he'd be amazing next to a PG like Dame. I'd give up everyone on our team not named Dame or Nurk to land him. Simmons is a perpetual DPOY candidate-- how cares if he can't shoot? Dame/Trent/Hood/Simmons/Nurkic is a championship lineup.
Simmons would absolutely be terrific with Lillard. Teams won’t be able to trap us with Simmons size, Lillard can actually move off ball effectively with a legitimate player who will pass the ball and do it well. Simmons is a disruptive defender, his size important, idc if he’s not a shooter, we have plenty of those now. We’ve been clamoring for a player who can truly play PG other than Lillard for years. Simmons is only going to get better too.
Simmons needs to be the main guy with the ball in his hands. Are you ready to turn Dame into a full time SG? Well, even if you are, it ain't going to happen. The only Blazer the Sixers would trade Simmons for is Dame. Now THAT would be a killer Sixers team.
If LeBron and Kyrie/Wade worked, then Dame and Simmons would. It’s not like Dame/Simmons are selfish stars.
Arguably, Wade/LeBron underachieved. And Kyrie was a GREAT shooter, so could operate off the ball. Simmons cannot and WILL not shoot. But again: no way they give up on Simmons for a package headed by CJ.
