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Toronto Raptors: Pros and cons of a trade for Ben Simmons

By Mike Luciano

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 21: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 21: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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Ben Simmons
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 26: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers blocks Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Pros: Defense and Mismatch Potential

It’s easy to rip on Simmons after that series, but let’s not forget he is one of the best defensive players in the game, and arguably the best perimeter defender. With center size and point guard mobility, Simmons can put the clamps on the opponent’s best player, pick their pocket with a well-timed steal, and vacillate down to the post in order to prevent easy looks at the rim.

He didn’t almost win Defensive Player of the Year by accident. On offense, Simmons’ ability to generate offense for others is no joke, as he is one of the best passers in the East. What better way to get the ball in the hands of Toronto’s armada of shooters.

While Simmons could use his size to line up nominally as a forward in bigger lineups, his court vision makes him a legit point guard, which could help Nurse get creative.

Ben Simmons could help Nick Nurse and the Raptors get very creative.

Imagine a lineup with Simmons, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby all on the perimeter at once. It would be a complete nightmare for opposing offenses. The Raptors had some success going small last year, so why not put Simmons at the center spot while surrounding him with shooters? It’s positionless basketball gone wild.

If they lose Lowry, they can’t either sign a one-year Band-Aid or assume Malachi Flynn will play at that level from the jump next year. The Raptors have taken big swings in the past, and this would certainly qualify.