2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[KillerLeft]

Do you think Simmons would prefer to stand on the perimeter than be part of the primary action?

No, not at all, which is why he keeps running to the dunker's spot while Embiid is trying to work in the post (yuck). But, I do wonder whether he might think the best way forward for Philly might be just to get Embiid out of the post, allowing Simmons to play for Philly the way Luka has played here in Dallas (we've seen them play like this pretty often before Rivers got that job). 

I also don't believe Luka wants to hold the ball above the break while off-ball players run to the paint. I believe he wants to work off of screen action and drive the ball himself, so while there are times when a guy can sneak into the play along the baseline (as we've seen DFS do), I believe that a constant inclusion of that 3rd person doesn't do anything but bring more defenders right to where Luka wants to be with the ball. 

So, either Simmons is the one setting the screen, or he's standing on the perimeter as a basic, default, most frequent role. For ME to sign off (were I in charge), I'd need to KNOW Simmons sees himself in that screen-setting, rolling role and nods his head with approval. I'd need to KNOW he wouldn't spend a season pining over having the ball in his hands, RUNNING the offense for another team. If I felt good about that, I'd think they're a great fit. I just don't think we can assume it. 

I don't think Simmons can come here and play a role similar to Paul George's, for example, because he has ZERO catch-and-shoot game. The Mavs desperately need someone besides Luka who can function with the ball in his hands, like George (Simmons is even better), but that 2nd star fit STARTS with George's ability to SCORE off of Kawhi Leonard by SHOOTING. 

Acquiring the secondary playmaking guy isn't progress if it makes the primary stuff much worse. Maybe this is my lack of creativity, but the only way I can see taking the ball out Simmons' hands (as a default) being successful is if he's playing that Powell/WCS role (as a default) on offense. That means A) he has to WANT to play that role (KP doesn't seem be into it, for example, so we know some players don't) and B) EVERYONE else has to be a shooter.