I put Simmons in that Jason Kidd/Ron Artest area of potential Rocket profiles. It's fun to talk about the impact they would have on the team, but there is almost no chance of them ever wearing the red and silver. I saw Simmons play a lot last season. He's a great player and if we didn't already have the best small forward in the game, I'd be all in favor of signing him. But we don't have anywhere to play him, and he's not going to come cheap, so it's not going to happen.
Even if the NBA keeps the old MLE max--about 6 years, 37 mil, that won't be enough. His former and current Clippermate swingmen (Q, Magette) got 6 years, mid 40 mil range deals from other teams after their breakout seasons, and that would be what I would expect for him. He is one of the lower risk young FAs--worst case you get a good, offensively efficient, 25 year old swingman, and maybe a much better player than that. He will get interest because of this. I'd like to have him and I am sure he would work fine positionally with Tmac (Spree and Houston sort of split SG/SF roles for JVG in NY), but it would have to be for a S&T to get in Simmons salary range and I doubt we have what the Clips want.
GATER, here, here! Being able to get Simmons via a S&T (Wesley/James etc) and then have money with the MLE to go after a PF would be ideal!
Simmons would become a great possibility via S/T if the Clippers are able to sign Ray Allen. A first rounder + Wesley sounds about reasonable. That'll give them some veteran guidance as the Clips make their first playoff push in ages.
I've never seen Simmons play before because I never see clippers games. I've got some questions if people have any answers. Is he a good spot up shooter, or does he prefer to create off the dribble? CAN he create off the dribble? And can he handle the ball?
Yes he is a good spot up shooter. Probably his strength. Excellant midrange shooter and shot 44% from 3pt range. He is average at creating off the dribble but is improving in that area. He can handle the ball but his handles are probably average. Basically his entire game has improved every year he has been in the league and last year his improvement was off the charts thanks to all the playing time he got with the Clippers. Simmons is also a good defender and good rebounder. And he hustles all the time! Very scrappy. Cleary a JVG type of player.
