Jalen Rose thinks the 76ers should consider trading Ben Simmons.
Philadelphia was blown out by the Raptors on Wednesday and fell behind in its second-round series, 3-2. Rose, a 13-year NBA veteran who currently works as an analyst for ESPN, said on “Get Up!” that Simmons and fellow star Joel Embiid do not fit together on the court.
“I feel like if you’re going to decide to build around Joel Embiid, that means trading Ben Simmons,” Rose said Thursday. “Those are the two pillars of your team. Ben Simmons won’t shoot the ball outside of the paint and he can’t make free throws. When the playoffs come, and the game slows down, you want Joel Embiid in the post, not at the 3-point line.
“If Ben Simmons is on the baseline at the dunk spot, there’s really no room for them to operate and maximize their potential.”
Simmons has struggled with his jumper throughout his time in the NBA and rarely shoots outside of the paint. He has attempted just 17 3-pointers in 160 career games.
“It’s all about confidence,” Rose said. “He’s been playing basketball his entire life. Here’s a guy that’s so very talented. Ben Simmons can dribble, he can defend, he can finish at the hoop. But, as a primary ball handler, you have to make a shot outside of the paint.
“When he’s on the baseline and Joel Embiid is trying to post up, that creates a double-team situation every time.”
The 76ers acquired Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris in separate deals during the regular season in hopes of making a deep playoff run. Both can become free agents this summer.
“I think what they should be trying to do is beg Jimmy Butler to stay,” Rose said. “Tobias Harris hasn’t shown up big time in this series, as well. But, I don’t believe, based on the process, they’re going to be championship ready with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons as their two best players anymore.”
The 76ers will host the Raptors in Game 6 on Thursday. If they win that matchup, Game 7 would be in Toronto on Sunday.
