When he’s on, he’s a very good player.
Problem is:
1. Even when he is on, he is an historically bad shooter. He basically can’t make anything besides a dunk or layup. Even at his best, he is awful at the game’s most central skill. It’s like the Good Glove SS who hits .180 with no power. At some point, being amazing at everything else does not atone for excessive failure at the main skill.
2. He’s shown that he isn’t “on” when the lights were brightest. He actively refused to shoot in last season’s playoffs, lest he get fouled and have to shoot free throws (which he was comically bad at).
3. Then there’s the whole team cancer thing - insisting on being the focal point of whatever team he plays for, refusing to play this season (and hiding behind a pathetic “not mentally ready” excuse, one that mocks people with actual mental illnesses), his issues playing alongside Embiid, and so on.
I think the fans who have stumped for a Simmons trade are completely ignoring (or simply are too naive/inexperienced to understand) that he will have an effect on the Cavs’ locker room should he come here; and history suggests that effect won’t be a good one.
I wouldn’t take the guy if Philly gave him to us.
