Sixers: Ben Simmons isn’t helping to fight off James Harden trade rumors
The Philadelphia 76ers’ star point guard Ben Simmons isn’t helping himself when it comes to James Harden rumors.
Until James Harden is traded from the Houston Rockets, the Philadelphia 76ers‘ star playmaker Ben Simmons has been tied to the Rockets’ star up to this point. Simmons could help himself get out of those rumors if he would just complete his offensive game.
There have been those on The Sixer Sense that have been in the camp of trading Simmons for Harden makes sense and then those who are are against the idea. However, so far this season, Simmons is proving the pro trade camp right.
Simmons is making it easier for the Sixers to trade him.
As of now, the reasons behind swapping Simmons for Harden is simple. Trading for Harden gives the Sixers a better chance to win a title now. That’s because of Harden’s elite offensive skills but also because Simmons isn’t a complete offensive player.
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Both players are elite finishers and playmakers, but Harden is an elite 3-point shooter. Whereas Simmons is an unwilling shooter. Not only is he an unwilling shooter, but he’s not being aggressive in attacking the rim.
This season he’s averaged 14.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 2.0 blocks in four games. While it’s early in the season, he’s averaging a career-low in points and assists. He’s averaging a career-high in rebounds, blocks, and free throw attempts at 7.3 per game.
Harden this season is averaging 39.5 points and 12.5 assists, while converting 50.0 percent of his 3-pointers. Granted that’s only in two games, but it’s clear that the former MVP still has his offensive mojo.
Assuming that Simmons doesn’t want to be traded from Philly, then he has to be more aggressive, get his teammate involved more, and start taking jump shots. If he doesn’t it just makes a stronger case for the franchise to trade him for someone how’s game is more complete.
2016 re-draft: Simmons or Ingram?. dark. Next
While I’m in the camp of not wanting to trade Simmons, his lack of progress is hurting his case to remain a member of the Philadelphia 76ers moving forward.