The 2021 NBA Playoffs could be the turning point in the career of Ben Simmons. The Philadelphia 76ers’ All-Star point guard could have played his last game in the red, white and blue in Game 7 of the team’s second-round matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.
Simmons’ shortcomings offensively is once again headline news, as the video and photos of him passing up a wide-open dunk attempt could be the last image of him with the 76ers.
For once in the fourth quarter, Simmons was aggressive, putting a gorgeous spin move on Danilo Gallinari to get in position for an easy two. Inexplicably, he decided to pass the ball to teammate Matisse Thybulle, who was fouled and split his free throws.
That was the turning point of the game according to teammate Joel Embiid, whose frustration was on full display during the play.
With the confidence of his head coach, Doc Rivers, and teammates seemingly waning, Simmons could be shopped again this offseason. He has emerged as the top name in NBA trade rumors, as a result.
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When James Harden was put on the trade block by the Houston Rockets, Simmons was the player they asked for in return. The 76ers won’t get a player close to that caliber in return for him now, but an NBA executive outlined what the team could look for in a return package.
“Ben’s lack of ability in the playoffs is a concern,” the third NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s good enough to get you to the playoffs and have a solid regular season, but the playoffs can be challenging for him as the game slows down and people’s weaknesses are exposed, which hurts the team. I’d explore a trade to see if I could get a couple of win-now players that fit the way they need to play with Embiid. A point guard or a wing that both can create shots for others and themselves.”
Another executive said guys like Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal, who would be stronger fits alongside Embiid, are two levels better than Simmons. Yaron Weitzman, an NBA writer for Fox Sports, said C.J. McCollum and Malcolm Brogdon were two names the 76ers could target in return for Simmons.
It is wild to think a multi-time All-Star and All-Defensive player that turns 25 in July would be given up on, but the evidence is mounting that Ben Simmons is not a long-term fit in Philadelphia, and parting ways now may be best for both sides. He is undoubtedly a name to watch in NBA trade rumors.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Should the Philadelphia 76ers look to trade Ben Simmons this offseason?
