Drunk Kevin O'Connor with the piping hot take:
View: https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA/status/1208240897512620033?s=20
(I personally think Simmons is an amazing player, way better than advertised on defense, who's been victimized by poor roster construction.)
Also, lineups with Horford at center are giving up 65% shooting at the rim, and his knee is already acting up. Pretty happy to have no part of that contract (as I was when it was signed).
Simmons has been great on defense this season. But critics are saying that Brett Brown chose Ben and Tobias over Jimmy Butler in the off-season. Worked out well for Jimmy. Philly still seems disjointed on offense and Embiid’s body language last night was that of a frustrated big man.
At some point, Brown has to respond to the lack of cohesion on offense. Too many possessions end up winding down the shot clock and then throwing up a late shot, or turning it over. This looks like Brown’s last season in Philly unless he fixes the offense.
Horford‘s shooting is off this season. On defense, he seems less active, perhaps due to the bad knee. At this point, he seems on the downside of his career, which I think Celtics fans saw last season when Al‘s output on offense became a bit inconsistent.
Philly is hard to watch right now. They have been streaky good and streaky bad at times. Their effort varies from game to game, which is usually on the coach.
I could see ownership stepping in and forcing a Simmons trade if one were available, maybe in the off-season after an early exit from the playoffs.
btw, Brown benched Thybulle last night after a rough first half. Hardaway Jr. burned him badly. Trey Burke took his minutes in the second half. 14 minutes for Matisse, minus 22.