The NBA rumor mill never stops turning out new reports. By now, everyone has heard the news of Ben Simmons wanting to play for any of three California teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers (Sorry, Sacramento).
For the last few months, we have talked ad nauseam about the reasons why, or why not, the Dubs should target Simmons in a trade. Today, let’s take a different angle and analyze why Simmons would want to join the Warriors, in the first place.
The Golden State Warriors can’t seem to stay away from Ben Simmons’ rumors and this is because the young star is likely pushing his way to the Bay.
Simmons has had his reputation shattered in the recent months for his mind-boggling collapse in the NBA Playoffs. The Philadelphia 76ers have done little to defend his name. This has led to a deep rift being created between the two parties with Simmons reportedly wanting nothing to do with the team anymore.
So, if he is set on leaving, what makes the Warriors an ideal landing spot?
The luxury of playing next to two of the greatest shooters of all time seems like a pretty good reason. Simmons is a gifted playmaker who would have all the spacing in the world competing with the Splash Brothers. This dynamic is an easy one to get excited about.
Defensively, Simmons would be fully unlocked, as well. He fits the Dubs perfectly as an All-NBA caliber defender who can truly check 1-5 on the floor. From Simmons’ perspective, there is no reason as to why he shouldn’t want to join the Warriors.
On the flip side, the Dubs have more than enough reason to steer clear of Simmons. Firstly, his complete inability to expand his game outside of the paint makes it nearly impossible to play Simmons and Draymond Green together at the same time.
While some have argued this makes Green the ideal player to trade for Simmons — this couldn’t be a more detrimental decision. Green thrives in areas that Simmons has never come close to succeeding in. Purely from a leadership standpoint, Green is infinitely more valuable than Simmons
Sure, Simmons might be younger and a fantastic defender. But, Green already does everything the Warriors need from him, besides shooting.
Even though Simmons might want to compete for the Dubs — the feeling is likely not mutual.