How This Trade Impacts San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs could really use a shake-up. There were some rumors that the team could trade Dejounte Murray and Derrick White should the price be right. It would be hard to imagine that Ben Simmons, even with a lottery-protected 2023 first-round pick being included, would not meet the right price.
The upside that Simmons possesses is something that should tantalize every team in the NBA. He has star qualities and if there is any organization that can help extract and develop those skills, it is the Spurs.
San Antonio has a lengthy and successful track record when it comes to developing underappreciated players. Normally, those players do not have the natural abilities that Simmons has. Despite his shortcomings offensively shooting the ball, he is elite in other areas.
He is an absolute terror in transition. His ability to grab a rebound and start a fast break by himself is not something many players are capable of doing, especially at his size. In the open court, Simmons is athletic enough to finish above the rim himself and an excellent passer that will hit the open man.
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The Spurs could use another facilitator with DeMar DeRozan moving on in free agency this offseason. In addition to the playmaking, Simmons is an elite defender.
He has already made an NBA All-Defensive Team twice and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him take home a Defensive Player of the Year award at some point. Simmons is arguably the most versatile defender in the NBA, able to defend all five positions on the court at any time.
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His presence would raise the Spurs’ ceiling more than either Murray or White can. San Antonio could become contenders again quickly with the other assets they have acquired and the development team they have put in place.
