TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[mvossman]

This does feel a bit like a Mav’s type move.  My guess would be THJ/Powell for Simmons and one of the many $2mm guys off the Brooklyn Roster like Sharpe or Thomas.

I’d add to your list the ability to play alongside Wood defensively with size.   Wood/Maxi seems to work.  Defensively, Wood/Simmons would also work.  Obviously, Simmons isn’t the three point shooter Maxi is, but can he play on-ball some in lineups with Wood?  A big-big PnR or PnPop?  Simmons would essentially be a ‘point-center’ or ‘point-four’ depending on what you consider Wood. Replacing THJ with a plus defender would probably also allow you to get some minutes out of Bertans.

All of this is theoretical of course.  None of us know what 22/23 Simmons would look like here.  It is a huge gamble and we are playing with Luka’s future if they don’t get this one right.  Simmons doesn’t look right, but the give up is what?  Hardaway?  If it worked, you could have Simmons/Wood as your starting 4/5 for basically THJ and a late first (which you got back in the form of Thomas or Sharpe).  If it doesn’t work?  Heads roll and Luka is in LA in a few years.

Its hard to see Simmons be even remotely useful on offense unless he has the ball in his hands.  Not sure how you play him and Luka on the court together.  Maybe Luka plays off ball and gets an offensive breather, but I'm skeptical.  I do not see Simmons suddenly learning how to be a roll man.

Maybe Simmons is ok playing with Wood defensively, but you don't have a true rim protector in that case.  

Simmons looks terrible and the fit seems bad, but it would be hard not to pull the trigger if its just Timmy/Powell.  There is crazy upside there.  If it does not work, we wouldn't be completely dead.  We would still have enough salary filler and picks to make a big trade.