KEY POINTS

  • Ben Simmons may not get along well with Draymond Green
  • Simmons will still need to work on his shot to survive with the Golden State Warriors
  • Simmons and Green could enhance the Dubs defense immensely

Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers has been linked to the Golden State Warriors in a possible swap involving D'Angelo Russell. A potential NBA trade involving the two would make sense, especially considering Russell is playing on borrowed time.

Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry are out for now but most question Russell's future when the Splash Brothers return. As mentioned in a previous report, the 2nd overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft could end up playing off the bench with lesser minutes unless head coach Steve Kerr makes some adjustments to his starting unit. Thompson could play the small forward position, possibly showing off a lethal run-and-gun lineup next NBA season.

Speaking of shooting, it is something that Simmons has been struggling to improve on. The good thing about his is that he opts to play nearer to the basket, something that could make him a good fit especially when opposing teams spread the floor. However, Simmons needs to deal with the fact that developing his outside shot is a must if he is to stay longer in the NBA.

Citing league sources, Marcus Thompson of The Athletic revealed how Draymond Green and Simmons may not get along well. Shooting is seen as one reason although the 29-year-old forward is not that sharp either. The difference is that three-time NBA All-Star uses his spare time to work on his game. Depending on how Simmons performs, Green is likely to get into his face and push him to improve as well.

On the bright side, one can just imagine how Simmons and Green would perform on the defensive end. Both have made a name for themselves in that department, meaning the only issue on the table is sinking shots from the outside.

A Simmons for Russell trade has its ups and downs. But the reality of it all is that nothing is set in stone as of this writing. The NBA trade deadline is set for Feb. 6, meaning anything can still happen.

The Sixers are struggling and frustration is growing. Their offense needs a lift, particularly from the perimeter. Critics feel that if Simmons cannot help, perhaps DLO will.

Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons has recorded 15 triple-doubles in his career. In this picture, Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nov. 21, 2018. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images