2020-2021 AROUND the NBA: Archived

[Branduil]

His flaws would be hidden here rather than amplified as they are in PHI.

Simmons only takes about 10 shots a game on average and has a usage rate of 20%. He'd be asked to play the 5 on offense and guard whoever on defense. We don't get mad at Powell for not being able to create his shot in the 4th quarter. So I wouldn't be mad at Simmons either playing quite literally that exact same role. Unlike Powell though, Simmons is perhaps a top 5 defender in the league and can guard 1-5. While simultaneously being able to run the break. 

All he would have to do here is set a screen, pass out of the post, and run the offense for 15mpg when Luka sits. To me thats about as an ideal role you can have for Simmons.

I do think getting Simmons means the Mavs HAVE to get a secondary scorer worth about 17-20 ppg a night every night. KP ironically does fit that well and plays to Simmons strengths though he'd almost certainly be in the hypothetical trade. Simmons could be Giannis-lite here, I say with as little hyperbole as possible. At worst Draymond esque.

You can NOT hide a player who can't shoot free throws. Simmons literally runs away from the ball because he knows he'll get fouled and forced to shoot FTs. He would be worse than useless next to Luka.