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Ben Simmons' performance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals was a major storyline during the 2021 NBA playoffs. He averaged just 9.9 points in the series and an even lower 6.3 points in the final three games. The Atlanta Hawks deployed the "Hack-a-Simmons" strategy and his struggles at the charity stripe were painfully apparent. Simmons was visibly afraid to hold the ball, fearing he might get fouled, and it limited his entire game.
His head coach Doc Rivers was asked whether Simmons could be a point guard for a championship team and he replied saying,
"Yeah...I don't know that question or the answer to that right now."
This statement has since fueled trade rumors right after the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated. Ben Simmons has been linked to several teams so far, including the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers. However, we make a case that the Sixers should retain him and not consider a trade. Here are 3 reasons why the Philadelphis 76ers should not trade Ben Simmons.
#1 Ben Simmons is a terrific defender
Calling Ben Simmons just a great defender is an understatement. He is one of the best defenders in the league right now and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year this season. He claimed he deserved the award over Rudy Gobert midway through the season itself and his performances showed it. He was ninth in Defensive Win Shares this season and seventh in Steals per game with 1.6. Simmons said,
"I’m not even questioning it right now. I know I am [the DPOY]. That’s a fact. And numbers, certain stats, are cool with certain players. But, at the end of the day, you know."
Simmons might not score like most point guards right now, but he can certainly defend every one of them. He uses his speed and athleticism to defend across all five positions and is one of the best to stop guards at the perimeter. Simmons has a career average of 1.7 steals per game and led the league in steals last season with 2.1 a game.
#2 Ben Simmons is a great playmaker
An overlooked aspect of Ben Simmons' game is his playmaking. He averaged 6.9 assists per game this season, which is in fact his lowest average ever. Simmons has consistently averaged around the 8-assist mark during his career. Even in his semifinal collapse, Simmons managed to average 8.6 assists per game.
He had nine assists per game in his final three games of the 2021 NBA playoffs, the three in which he collapsed offensively. Simmons had four games with double-digit assists and three with nine in his playoff run this year.
Simmons is unlike a traditional point guard as he stands at 6'10". He uses his combination of speed and size to get looks for his teammates. Simmons technically plays a point-forward role due to his size and is excellent in transition situations. He also drops double-digit assists with ease.
#3 He is just 24 years old
The reality that most angry fans don't realize is that Ben Simmons is quite young. At 24 years of age, he already has three All-Star selections, two All-Defensive First Team selections, and was the steals leader last year. He won the Rookie of the Year award in his rookie season and was a Defensive Player of the Year finalist this year. Simmons has a great deal of talent and one bad playoff series shouldn't dictate his future with the team.
Every great player has had an eye-opening playoff series that forces them to change their game. Ben Simmons can be a Draymond Green-like player for his team - someone who doesn't score but does everything else, including elite defense. However, the only other hole in his game currently is his abysmal free-throw shooting that allows defenders to foul him and take away possessions from the team.
Simmons needs to get with someone in the offseason who will get his confidence up and improve his free-throw mechanics. If he develops a decent jumpshot and makes his free-throws at a higher clip, there is no reason why the Philadelphia 76ers should trade Ben Simmons.
Also Read: 5 best trade packages for Damian Lillard if he chooses to part ways with the Portland Trail Blazers
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