3 underrated targets in Ben Simmons trade: Derrick White
Most Spurs hypotheticals seem to be constructed around Dejounte Murray, which is understandable. He’s marketed as a great defender (deservedly so), and is probably the Spurs’ consensus top player in lieu of DeMar DeRozan. That said, he’s probably not the guard Philadelphia should prefer if San Antonio in Simmons’ ultimate destination. That’s Derrick White.
While White has been riddled with injuries over the course of his career, his peak comfortably exceeds Murry’s peak. When healthy, White can provide a similar caliber of defense with a much more versatile, modern offensive game. Last season, he averaged 6.8 attempts per game from deep (with a 34.6 percent success rate). Murray is a worse shooter on less than half the volume.
The Sixers should hope to replace Simmons with a guard who can pose a consistent threat from deep. Murray is a much better halfcourt scorer and facilitator than Simmons, no doubt, but White has the upside of a legitimate go-to scorer and 3-point threat. He only shot 41.1 percent from the field in his fourth NBA season, but he spent his first three seasons above 45 percent. He’s due for a bounce-back year.
White is on a team-friendly contract (roughly three years, $55 million remaining) and can solve any concerns about replacing Simmons’ point of attack defense on the perimeter. The 6-foot-4 White can’t guard the same big wings Simmons could, but much of Simmons’ defensive value last season was rooted in stifling ball-handlers at the point of attack. That’s where White excels.
Of course, any White-centered trade would involve more pieces coming back to Philadelphia. The Spurs have a nice collection of young talent, including names like Devin Vassell, Joshua Primo, and Lonnie Walker — all of whom should appeal to Philadelphia.