Ben Simmons certainly has his flaws. His biggest problem is from the perimeter, a place Simmons has struggled to hit shots for literally his entire career. Without any type of stroke from distance, he has become a liability on offense, to the point where he has the Sixers playing at a pretty big disadvantage on that end of the floor.
He also struggles with confidence, work ethic, and leadership, which have all contributed to Simmons’ trade value being virtually nothing.
Still, the guy has insane talent and some teams really don’t have the standing to turn down an opportunity to get him.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, for instance, are apparently in the running to make a trade, although there remain some questions about whether or not they should make the move.
Here’s what Sam Amico had to say about the subject in a recent article:
I have mixed feelings about Simmons on the Cavs. On one hand, he would immediately become their best player, an All-Star in a season in which Cleveland is hosting the game. He is still young (25) and under contract. He is an excellent perimeter defender on a team that could use even just a decent one.
And for all the talk about his shooting, his 56 percent career mark is better than anyone else’s on the Cavs aside from Jarrett Allen. And Allen is a center. Simmons can play point guard, point forward and power forward.
So I assure you this — Cavs fans would love Simmons and his jersey would be the top seller since LeBron James left. Cleveland would immediately become a playoff contender.
In the same article, Amico noted the words of one GM, who made a pretty strong case for the Cavs to trade for Ben:
And don’t shoot the messenger, but here is one rival GM’s thought on Cavs: “Honestly? They could trade their entire team for Ben Simmons, be better than they were last season, and have a brighter future.”
Whatever the case, the Cavs have a decision to make. Do they give up their young core to pull the trigger on a deal, or do they roll with what they have until someone better comes along?
We will find out soon enough what they decide to do.
