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“Ben Simmons is a 9 position player; Sixers shouldn’t trade for Damian Lillard”: Gilbert Arenas shockingly doesn’t approve of the Blazers guard potentially being traded to Philly

Samir Mehdi
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“Ben Simmons is a 9 position player; Sixers shouldn’t trade for Damian Lillard”: Gilbert Arenas shockingly doesn’t approve of the Blazers guard potentially being traded to Philly

Gilbert Arenas calls Ben Simmons a 9 position player and that the Philadelphia 76ers should not necessarily trade him for Damian Lillard. 

The Ben Simmons debacle in Philadelphia seems to be simmering down with him finally back with the team, practicing on the regular. This however, shouldn’t take away from the fact that the 76ers are actively looking for a trade for the 6’10 point guard as it’s clear Klutch Sports does not want Simmons to be a Sixer any longer. 

Ben Simmons himself does not seem all too enthused to be a part of the Sixers again as his body language through several images that surfaced online looked extremely lackadaisical. Safe to say that the Philadelphia 76ers will have a tough time rolling out the DPOY candidate in front of fans that have already given up on him.

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The faster a reasonable trade for him can be found, the better for both parties. Of course, the Sixers do have more leverage here due to there still being four years left on his contract; but a severe lack of chemistry between Ben and the rest of the squad isn’t going to win them a championship. 

Gilbert Arenas talks about a potential Ben Simmons for Damian Lillard trade. 

Gilbert Arenas, who actually has a relationship with Ben Simmons, sat down with NBA vet, Jim Jackson, to talk about the ‘former’ Sixers star. Arenas actually confirmed that Simmons can shoot but claimed the plays that were drawn up for him weren’t allowing him to showcase this talent.

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“I watch him work out. He can actually shoot the ball. He has great form and everything so you sit there saying, ‘Why aren’t you shooting?’. He’s not saying it’s the system but I know it’s the system. You got to put someone in a situation to be great. Why you don’t put him in pick ‘n’ rolls at the elbow?” 

Arenas would then go on to disapprove of a trade that would send Ben Simmons to Portland in exchange for Damian Lillard. 

“I (Sixers) have a 6’10 player that can play 9 positions. He can play all five on defense and four on offense. I don’t know if I want to trade him for a straight up guard. I might get a better scorer but I lose everything else and I don’t know if that’s real value.” 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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