Why the Philadelphia 76ers’ unique star is the perfect fit for Daryl Morey’s team-building vision.
There was a collective sigh of relief around the city yesterday when the word got out that the Philadelphia 76ers were going to sign Daryl Morey as their new President of Basketball Operations.
After years of decisions being made by unknowns or incompetents, the team would once again have someone at the helm who could be trusted to analyze talent and not get fleeced in a trade. God forbid they not give away the farm every time they make a deal. Not only a sharp, respected basketball mind with experience, but Sam Hinkie’s former mentor, no less. Finally, they can get back to the process of The Process.
Daryl Morey is someone with no ties to any of these players and a reputation for making big moves. It was Elton Brand who told everyone that the team wasn’t going to trade Joel Embiid or Ben Simmons, not Morey. So naturally the NBA world is now abuzz with trade speculation that everyone is fair game, and since Morey likes the long ball it will probably be Simmons on the move. Not so fast.
Yes, it’s true that Ben is not a threat to shoot it, and no, Sixers fans shouldn’t expect that to change anytime soon. But is Morey so enamored with the three that he would trade Ben because he can’t (or won’t) shoot it? History tells us otherwise, and frankly, it’s insulting to Morey to think that.
Daryl Morey found Patrick Beverly, Robert Covington, Montrezl Harrell, and Clint Capella. All guys who are so-so on offense but valuable playmakers with their hustle and defense. He considered similar guys like Trevor Ariza and P..J Tucker indispensable. What Morey really loves, more than just 3-point shooters, are game changers. Guys who have some elite skill that impacts the outcome of a game. Simmons will be encouraged to grow his offensive game, but his overall game is already special. And Morey ALWAYS recognizes when someone is special.
If you look back at the players he seems to covet they all have qualities that Simmons clearly embodies. They are flexible and versatile enough to use in a variety of ways and play more than one position. They are unique and outstanding in some way, if not as a shooter, then as a passer, or maybe a defender. Ben is one of the league’s top talents in the last two categories.
Morey loves players who are creative and think outside of the box, like Ben. The other unique quality that Simmons possesses, which all too often goes unappreciated, is his high motor. He never takes a game or a play off, hustles way more than most young superstars, and almost always guards the other team’s best player. He is an all-star who runs hard and dives on the floor like he is fighting for minutes. Morey loves a good scrapper.
He also loves pace and space. Simmons may not be a shooter, but he is as good as anyone in the league at pushing the ball and making things happen in the open court. While not being a threat from deep, he is still one of the best in the game at assists to 3-point shooters, which is not easy on a team with no shooters. Play him with a pair of guards who can shoot the 3 (Buddy Hield, anyone?) and this team will have pace and space coming out the wazoo.
There is no question that moves are coming. No one hires a gunslinger like Daryl Morey to sit on his hands. We clearly need shooting, which Morey really does value, and he will address that need. But Ben Simmons isn’t going anywhere. It is more likely that he becomes the rock upon which Morey builds his church.
Daryl Morey has always taken what he is given and squeezed every last drop of goodness out of it. He values versatility because that is how he runs his teams. If there is talent he won’t just ship it out because it doesn’t fit his “system”, he will explore the best way to utilize and grow that talent, and develop a team around that.
Simmons is on the verge of becoming a truly special player in the NBA and for the first time, he is surrounded by people who not only recognize that, but will be able to help him grow into his potential. He may not be a shooter yet, but he is already a game changer and a unique physical talent, and those qualities make him the perfect star for a Daryl Morey team.