I read Simmons hasn’t taken a shot past 14 feet this season. Disgraceful and brown is complicit in it
All he can really do is facilitate on fast breaks and open lanes, and drive, but that’s about it, and even that doesn’t always work (turnovers in crucial moments of games and brutal misses). Basically, keep him out of the paint and clog the lanes. Then he’s ineffective. Sure, he’ll put up the numbers (like he did today), but finished with -17 and really is a liability on offense. I think BOS (w/Stevens) exposed him in the playoffs last year.
Fantastic player but still overrated and a liability on offense. It puts enormous pressure on Embiid, Reddick and Butler to score as well.
Also the Butler trade actually looks clutch for them. Their bench is very thin and Fultz is out. If they don't make the trade I honestly don't view them as a threat or even a Top-5 team in the East.
I agree that the Butler trade was solid for them. With their (top heavy) talent and record, just like the Celtics, they'll improve between now and April/May.
Too harsh on Simmons, though. It's tough to make an argument against his talent and impact with statistics. On this season, he's part of a top 3-4 team in the East, and a top-ranking player in a bunch of statistical categories. Labeling him as a PG, he currently ranks:
* 2nd in Rebound %, behind only Westbrook.
* 7th in Assist %, behind Paul, Wall, Harden, and Westbrook.
* 7th in eFG %, behind Curry, Korver, and Harris.
Of course he has limitations, but you gotta remember that he's only 22, and Tatum will be 21 before Simmons turns 23. He honestly is one of the best athletes and facilitators in the league.