The fact that Ben Simmons is available...at 24, says a lot to me. He's the best player out there for sure but his skillset makes him hard to build around.
This is the #1 problem. I don't see how he would fit into this offense frankly. Would he play alongside Wall? How good is he off ball? In theory he could be a nice flex-4, but without a jump shot he will just clog the lane against guys who can outrebound him. His top skill is passing and vision, but then he'll need the ball in his hands a lot which will take away from Wall who needs the ball too but is a better offensive threat.
I think John Wall is what makes it a hard fit, otherwise building around Simmons is putting scorers and shooters around him.
We were also trying to build a defense that complimented Harden. I think Harden ran an elite offense and scored at an elite clip, while I think Simmons is capable of doing the former while being an elite defensive switching anchor. Aside from John Wall, which is a big impediment due to the contact, this current Rockets roster is at a good starting point to build around Simmons. I think EGO (if healthy) would be a much better fit next to Simmons than Harden plus we have Bmac's, House, Boogey's shooting. Woods is still a big x-factor but that could potentially lead to a ton of potent two man game between Woods and Simmons. I don't think building around Simmons is as hard as it seems. Yes, we would love to pair a Beal type shooter/creator next to Simmons, but the same was true of Harden. Maybe in a different reality we'd be starting this season with CP3/Simmons/Woods.
Oh definitely. If it weren't for Wall you could just have Ben be your PG and run EGO out there with him no issues especially with two bigs that can shoot in Wood and Cousins. I still think his lack of versatility makes it harder to build around than say Luka, Zion, any other under 25 year old star who none of those teams are thinking about moving.
Simmons is an enigma. As I've said in other places, I wouldn't ever expect him to develop a 3 point shoot and I'd just be happy if he could shoot +70% from the FT line. I just watch him and the size, playmaking, and defense are just that good to where he is foundational/franchise piece. To your point, he isn't the top tier franchise/foundational pieces.
I just discovered that Simmons is represented by Klutch, the grimiest, shiestiest and most disruptive agency in the game. This changes everything.
so is John Wall. They are super talented and are changing the power of players. They are important to the history of the NBA. We can become a place that becomes a benefactor of Klutch and Rich Paul. It would be glorious. They aren't going anywhere. IT would be awesome to be on their good side. Dan Fegan (RIP) hated Morey and loved Cuban (until they had a falling out) and it caused a ton of issues for years.
And Ben Mac But you're absolutely right. They're becoming The Mob of the NBA and as an org, you most certainly want to be on their good side.
Exactly. I think stone and Silas know this and I think it’s why the Rockets have not pulled the trigger. I just don’t think you can win in the nba today with a ball handler like Simmons.
this is a prime example. Ironically who hits the big shot to put them ahead lol. And Simmons wants nothing to do with the ball. He merely wants to inbound it and get away. This is who some folks want to be your franchise player in houston.
I don't believe anything Morey says about trades until they happen. We Rockets fans should know. And Stone knows too.
