Watching Rockets play 76ers I was intrigued by how they used Simmons as a screener and then killed his much smaller less athletic defender rolling to rim. Russ and Simmons are both uber athletes who struggle with jump shots. Russ would be amazing bringing up ball (in transition of course, but even in half court sets) and dribble hand off with Harden (or EGo, Rivers, McLemore), screen, then roll hard to rim. He would have option to dunk, pass to corner or pass to dunker. Rockets could do this ad infinitum because doubling the ball or roller would be disastrous as Harden/EGo/McLemore are lethal 3 point threats.
Not a big knock on Russ but Simmons is already a smarter bballer at age 23. He is much taller, has better vision, can defend multiple positions. He just isn't the scorer Russ is.
Not sure how this pertains to using Russ as screener? Russ may not be as long or as good defender but even with Russ size disadvantage he is a better rebounder and certainly a better scorer. We can agree to disagree with better court vision, Russ doesnt average triple doubles for 3 straight seasons by not having good court vision/passing. Russ is not just better scorer he is the greater player. Maybe one day Simmons wins an MVP or championship, but do not see that happening anytime soon.
MVPs are a regular season thing, but I think Simmons can make the Finals, I mean the East is open, the Bucks can be had long term. The Sixers have to play better and more consistent. I dun have a problem with Russ as a screener per se. I said different court vision, if you are 6'10, you tower over shorter people, you look at things differently than at 6'3. It can makes things a lot easier. A good reason why Ben has been taken No. 1 overall in the Draft.
This requires Harden to move without the ball which he hardly does. When Harden is not dribbling, he just stands around. But I do like the strategy you mentioned.
