Would you give Ben Simmons Reed Sheppard's minutes? I would in a heartbeat! Neither player can shoot, however Ben plays better defensively, he can switch and he can rebound and run the break effectively. And at one time he was a Top 15 - 20 player in the league, something we have had since Harden.
Roosh has been busy with the trade deadline and hasn’t taken Jalen’s calls. On second thought, I wonder if this is why we are on a 5 game losing streak.
He cannot shoot in a manner that meaningfully warps the defense in our favor. His jump shot in the paint is an option that all modern NBA teams eschew in favor of 3s and layups. A decent 3pt shooter draws the defense out of the paint, thereby opening it up for higher percentage shots. The same principle applies to players who can successfully get to the rim - they collapse the defense and create opportunities for 3s on the perimeter. Even players who use runners/floaters in the paint have more impact than Amen - their momentum to the rim draws defenders away from teammates and draws fouls as well. Amen's paint jumpers, however, are stationary and sometimes even fading away. NBA defenses are happy to have him take those shots.
It's still a good option for him to have as an individual scorer, although you are correct it's unlikely to ever have a real effect on spacing. He will need to make them over 50% of the time in the future for it to be an efficient shot though, he's currently around 45% on those attempts.
I believe in Ime, he coached him in Philly, last time he was great , and besides Ben Simmons has value. NBA Leaders in 3pt Assists per 100 possessions (min 800 minutes): Simmons – 4.79 Paul – 4.25 That's important to have that kinda pg vision as a back up
I’d take Simmons for cheap. Culture can mold him and if we get any sort of resurgence from him- that’d be kinda tight. I’m all for redemption stories.
If the Rockets are currently a title contender but forced to play Reed Sheppard because they don't have another PG, then the answer is yes, I'd love to try Ben Simmons at this role. But the Rockets, by their own front office admission, are still in development phase for this year. In which case, no, I don't want Simmons taking Sheppard's learning experience. Because when the Rockets are ready to compete, Reed will be the one who can make a major impact. Or if he can't, the Rockets need to know quicker so they can find a long term replacement.
Narrator: Amen Thompson is averaging 7.8 assists per game as a starting guard this month, in Fred's absence.
We need someone who can actually create space consistently. Green just doesn’t have the offensive moves outside his quick first step to get past anyone. FVV isn’t bad but he’s small. We don’t need another guard/forward that can’t shoot.
Would not be a bad get, when he doesnt play call up reed. But its time for reed to be in dleague for a bit.
Impressive but he’s not able to create those assists how/when we need them. We need someone who can create off the dribble without the need of screens so he can draw defenders away from their assignments and create open shots. Amens assists come off rebounding and cuts, and pick and rolls. this is glaring at the end of games when fouls are not called and defenders are locked in.
Amen in the dunker spot is ALL NBA level though. I need him to have more minutes there but he can't if FVV is out. 5-8 min running with Simmons as PG wouldn't be a bad idea to give Amen is "break" and let him do what he does best currently.
Sign him just to inbound the ball. Beggars like the Rockets can't also be choosers. Certainly not my first or even 10th choice but Simmons relationship and performance with Udoka is real.
That would be the career 52% free throw shooting Ben Simmons. Not the 89% Reed. I do see value in signing Simmons. If he’s motivated he without question brings some things to the table. His career has been underwhelming to say the least, no? Not sure you can blame injuries for that either. Kind of strange he’s healthy now that he needs a new contract. Maybe it’s just me. Still, I’d take a flyer on him.
