Golden State Warriors trade rumors: 3 reasons Ben Simmons is worth risk

Golden State Warriors trade rumors: 3 reasons Ben Simmons is worth the risk

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 13: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on May 13, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Ben Simmons is worth risk for Warriors: He could push the pace

The Golden State Warriors are at their best when they’re pushing the pace.

However, last season, they didn’t quite have the same death lineup personnel that could do that. Draymond Green could lead the charge, but the ball was often stopped and kicked back out to Curry.

The Warriors were a top-three team in pace, so they did attempt to push the ball. Also a top-ten team in turnover percentage, they oftentimes weren’t great while pushing. Golden State was the fifth-best team in terms of fast break points.

The Sixers, largely thanks to Simmons, were third. Simmons can help push the pace with his length and finishing at the rim. He notched 14.3 points per game and neared 69 percent from within three feet.

At 6-foot-11, Simmons is terrific in the open court, and with two of the greatest shooters to ever play the game trailing him, the Warriors would be lethal in transition.

Simmons and Green don’t need to thrive in the half-court with Thompson and Curry on the roster. They need to make smart plays in transition and run the defensive at a high level which is exactly what they should be able to do.

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