Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal 

Here’s a question to ponder: do the Nets really need Ben Simmons? 

As they’re currently constructed, it’s hard to envision how they’ll work him into their offense. First of all, this team is lacking a stretch big man. We’ve seen what happens when Simmons is paired with a non-shooting big: it isn’t pretty. As a fellow non-shooter himself, he needs spacing in order to maximize his talents. 

Moreover, the Nets have an elite ball-handler who can shoot in Irving. In some respects, it feels like the Nets would be better off by pairing him and Durant with a cast of elite role players. Following this deal, that’s exactly what they’d have. 

After all, Gordon can replicate some of Simmons’ multi-positional defense, while providing at least a semblance of floor spacing in the process. Meanwhile, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the archetypical 3-and-D wing. He’s the type of player who complements any contender. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Denver Nuggets Updates

By contrast, Simmons is not. He’s a unique player with unique needs. Do the Nuggets satisfy them?