Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Lonzo Ball, G Alex Caruso

Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Ben Simmons

When we think of it, Ben Simmons and Lonzo Ball make for an interesting comparison.

They’re both plus-sized point guards with prodigious floor vision. They also both struggle to generate offense in half-court sets. Furthermore, they were both highly touted prospects entering the league.

In fact, Simmons was the number one pick. Ball was eventually picked second, but he was certainly in the running at first. That’s where the similarities end.

Simmons hit the ground running. He put up stats in his rookie season that plenty of good NBA players would call a career year.

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By contrast, Ball struggled initially. In time, Ball’s game evolved. He went from a problematic three-point shooter to an elite one. Now, he operates as a 3-and-D in halfcourt sets while utilizing his floor vision in transition.

Simmons hasn’t made the same strides. He’s effectively the same player he was in his rookie campaign. Are we sure he’s worth the cost the Bulls are paying here?