5 reasons to avoid chasing Ben Simmons with the Atlanta Hawks
Ben Simmons Trade
The Atlanta Hawks and the rest of the NBA are less than a week away from training camp, and the anticipation is palpable. Expectations are in the same boat. The Hawks have been expected to finish around the fifth seed again by several publications, but they still appear to be a long way behind clubs like the Miami Heat and, in especially, the Philadelphia 76ers.
In the second round, the Philadelphia Flyers were eliminated in six games due to the Hawks’ ascent. The repercussions from Ben Simmons’ late dunk pass was at the core of it all.
Ironically, many people now feel that acquiring Simmons would be a good move for Atlanta as they strive to advance to the NBA Finals. While that would have been an interesting path to pursue at one time, that time has gone.
The Atlanta Hawks should not pursue Ben Simmons in a trade.
Let me start by stating that Simmons, who is allegedly not going to show up until he is moved, is still a tremendous player capable of having an impact on both sides of the game. Having said that, he does have one major flaw. It’s so important to them that it’s become their major priority throughout the offseason.
This is why we’ve continually pushed back on the 76ers, who routinely score higher than the Hawks in our power rankings.
It’s also why, following the Hawks’ offseason, pursuing Simmons makes little sense for this team. Three events occurred this offseason that made a Simmons deal appear to be more of an afterthought based on his name than the value he would offer.
Because, to be clear, a three-time All-Star, two-time All-Defensive Teamer, and former steals champion who is just one year removed from being named to the All-NBA team has value.