Being the number one pick in the NBA draft comes with expectations. At the same time, some top picks come in with higher expectations than others. Once in a while, a prospect is labelled “generational” if they don’t live up to that label, they’ll be viewed as a disappointment.
Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets wasn’t quite that type of prospect. He wasn’t far off, either. As a prospect, Simmons garnered comparisons to LeBron James.
As a pro, Simmons has a mixed record. This is a player who has earned All-NBA distinctions, but somehow, it feels like he’s fallen short of expectations.
On the other hand, Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs couldn’t have higher expectations. His game hasn’t been compared to James in terms of style, but he’s the most anticipated prospect since he came into the NBA.
Could the Spurs look to pair him with Simmons?
NBA Trade Proposal — San Antonio Spurs Land Ben Simmons
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Doug McDermott, G Devonte’ Graham, F/C Khem Birch
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F/C Ben Simmons
Are those expectations fair? It’s hard to say. On the one hand, being picked with the first pick is an honour. It’s something that these guys want.
For the most part, they aspire to stardom – and part of stardom is managing the expectations of others.
On the other hand, scouts are wrong on a regular basis. That isn’t their fault, either. Some players have skills that make them look dominant at lower levels and just don’t translate in the NBA. When that happens, those expectations do not get met.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs Updates
in the end, these players can only try their best. As long as they put the effort in, they’ll earn favour with coaches. They may not grow into superstars, but they can still have successful careers.
Could Simmons find more success in San Antonio than he has in Brooklyn?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
If Simmons’ shot had developed a shot, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. In all likelihood, he’d still be making All-NBA teams when healthy. That hasn’t been the case. Simmons still can’t shoot, and that makes him a complicated player to work into a team’s rotation.
Who’s more likely yo get the most out of a complicated player than Gregg Popovich? He’s one of the best coaches in NBA history. He should be able to work with Simmons if anybody can.
Meanwhile, he’ll value Simmons’ defensive versatility and elite floor vision. This could be interesting. After all, the Spurs do need a point guard. Simmons may not be the conventional answer, but he does give them a higher ceiling.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs Updates
He could make for an intriguing defensive duo with Wembanyama as well. Should the Nets help the Spurs assemble that duo?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Simmons and Wembanyama could make for an intriguing pair. If Wembanyama couldn’t shoot, that wouldn’t be the case. Unfortunately, Nicolas Claxton does not space the floor. That’s made him an awkward fit alongside Simmons.
If the Nets are choosing between them, they’ve got to choose Claxton. He’s a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Here, they’re getting two valuable rotation players for him. Graham is a solid backup guard, and McDermott is one of the best shooters in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs Updates
In fact, the Nets could be happy to move on from Simmons. This deal cleans up their books in a significant way. McDermott and Birch are on expiring deals, and the size of Graham’s deal pales compared to Simmons’. The Nets may have expected more from Simmons, but this is better than nothing.
