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Reading: Gilbert Arenas Says Ben Simmons Could Become Draymond Green For The Phoenix Suns
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Gilbert Arenas Says Ben Simmons Could Become Draymond Green For The Phoenix Suns

Gilbert Arenas Says Ben Simmons Could Become Draymond Green For The Phoenix Suns

Ben Simmons has Draymond Green potential, says Gilbert Arenas.

Nico Martinez
Oct 2, 2024
4 Min Read
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Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

As he enters his sixth NBA season, 3x All-Star Ben Simmons faces a major crossroads in his career. According to Gilbert Arenas, who recently spoke on his podcast, Ben still has a chance to rejuvenate his career and take on a Draymond Green type of role on a team like the Phoenix Suns.

“Let’s say Ben Simmons is averaging 14, 8, and 8, and they trade him. He automatically heightens any team he goes to because you’re getting an All-NBA defensive player,” said Arenas. “The Phoenix Suns — you’re thinking about teams that can automatically change the roster. There’s gonna be a West Coast team that is gonna benefit from playing Ben Simmons basketball. They can move some pieces and now they just inherited a defensive player who can move the basketball… he could become Draymond Green.”

It’s been a rude awakening for Ben Simmons, former UCLA phenom once hailed as the next NBA generational prospect. Ben drew comparisons to LeBron James in early scouting reports and experts raved about his size, handles, and superior finishing ability.

Simmons was drafted first overall to the 76ers and he enjoyed prosperity for years alongside star big man Joel Embiid. By the end of the 2020-21 campaign, Simmons was a 3x All-Star on track for a Hall of Fame Career in the NBA.

Amid growing tension between the star duo and a mental collapse against the Hawks in the Eastern Semi-Finals, the 76ers fell apart from the inside out starting with Ben Simmons’ trade request that summer. After a long and ugly standoff, Simmons finally got his wish… but his game has never been the same since.

After missing the entirety of the 2021-22 campaign, Simmons has played just 57 games over the past two seasons with averages of 6.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game on 57.0% shooting.

His confidence is completely shot, his jump shot is nonexistent, and his extensive injury history will make it extremely unlikely that he will ever recover his peak basketball form. But if he can adapt his skills and use his talent to make an impact in other areas, he can still be a valuable player in the league.

Despite his struggles, Simmons has never lost his defensive edge and he could be the perfect small-ball center to help run the offense and command the defense, much like Draymond Green did during his championship runs with the Warriors.

With just one year and $40 million left on his deal, Simmons is set to be a free agent next summer and what kind of contract he gets will lean heavily on how he performs over the next 8 months. Whether it’s with the Nets, Suns, or another team, this season will determine what comes next for Simmons and if he can revive his dying NBA career.

As a team desperate to win it all, the Suns have the means and the resources to deal for Simmons and it might just pay off to add him to the frontcourt with the best shooters in the game. For now, there’s just no way to know what’s next for him given the unpredictable nature of his own past.

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Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Ben SimmonsDraymond GreenGilbert ArenasPhoenix Suns Archive
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ByNico Martinez
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Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
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