Cavatt
Hall-of-Famer
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- Sep 7, 2008
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I think it's important to recognize what Simmons does well before tossing him in the negative value bucket. He's probably top 3 defensively in the NBA? He can defend 1-4 and most 5s without a problem. Despite being 6'10" his handle, court vision, and passing are all good enough to start at PG even if doing so is problematic due to spacing. That's a very valuable skill set to have on the court in that it makes other teams reluctant to trap the primary ball handler.
If Mobley can start at center in a couple of years, and the Cavs can eventually get a 2 guard who spaces the floor, then I can see Simmons working out very well. But I'm all kinds of concerned about his free throw shooting. Because opponents are going to test him during the regular season now. It's why I don't totally buy the notion that the Sixers want him to come back and play this season. If he gets the DAJ treatment during the regular season, and doesn't respond well, his value really could drop into negative territory.
I guess Simmons can guard 1's, but not good 1's. Garland and Sexton carve that boy up on the reg.