Ben Simmons is still one of the best young players in basketball. But, as anyone around the association will tell you, he is in desperate need of a fresh start.
A broken jumper, shot confidence, and inconsistent play have really tanked Simmons’ value and, following another disappointing finish for the Sixers, the fans have officially turned on him.
As questions about his future loom, one former NBA Champion pegged a new team as a potential landing spot for Ben: the Miami Heat.
Here’s what Brian Scalabrine said in his recent appearance on Sirius XM NBA Radio:
“I think the Miami Heat could fix him. I really believe that. I don’t think a lot of organizations can fix him. I think the Miami Heat could fix Ben Simmons. If I’m Pat Riley, he would be my whale, and Erik Spoelstra is not a traditional coach. He’ll run whacky things for Ben Simmons. By the way, Erik Spoelstra put James Johnson at the point guard and played James Johnson at the point a bunch of possessions, so I’m telling you, the Miami Heat could fix him, and Erik Spoelstra as a coach could fix Ben Simmons.”
Where will Ben Simmons be playing next season?@Scalabrine thinks the Miami Heat would be a great spot#HeatTwitter pic.twitter.com/gI4xZ9jUP6
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) June 25, 2021
Simmons is widely seen as damaged goods, and for good reason. Until he develops a semi-capable jumper, his game is always going to be handicapped.
In Miami, he’d be under the watch of Erik Spoelstra, one of the best coaches in the NBA. With the great staff the Heat have, and all the veteran teammates who could help Simmons, that could be a place the 3x All-Star thrives.
Nevertheless, Miami will not be the only team in pursuit of his services. They’ll have to sacrifice if they want a chance to help him develop his game.
