According to an NBA scout, the 76ers should continue to keep Ben Simmons and sign Kyle Lowry, who would be entering free agency next year.
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The Philadelphia 76ers had a very disappointing end to their otherwise successful 2020-21 regular season. The 1st seed 76ers lost to the 5th seed Atlanta Hawks in the eastern conference semi-finals.
The 76ers were considered one of the top contenders in the east, with Joel Embiid finishing as the 1st runner up in the MVP race and Ben Simmons making it to the All-NBA Defensive First Team.
One of the major reasons for this upset was Simmons’ inability to shoot the ball, especially from the free-throw line. The 3x NBA All-Star was a dismal 34.2% from the foul line.
The opposition would exploit the above and intentionally foul Simmons during the clutch moments of the match, employing the term Hack-a-Simmons.
Raptors star Kyle Lowry is a free agent entering the 2021-22 NBA season. A former NBA champion and 6x All-Star could fit very well with the 76ers. Lowry is a career 42.4% shooting from the field and 81.2% from the free-throw line.
Ben Simmons could change his position from a point guard to a forward if the 76ers can sign Kyle Lowry
There is no doubt Simmons is one of the greatest talents in the NBA currently. The 24-year old is a great defender and has a high basketball IQ.
However, his inability to shoot the ball makes him a liability, especially if he’s playing a point guard position.
An unnamed NBA scout was recently quoted saying that the 76ers should keep the triple-double machine if possible but as a point forward.
NBA Scout believes the Sixers should keep ‘triple double machine’ Ben Simmons and sign Kyle Lowry
“To me Ben is a point forward and you can run offense through him.”https://t.co/JxGgEpv388
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 13, 2021
“It depends on how emotionally tough he is, if he is going to get beat up and booed when he touches the ball, how will he handle that? But you look at him and he is a triple-double machine.”
“To me, Ben is a point forward and you can run the offense through him,” the scout said. “I don’t like him as a primary ball-handler, but he is a big wing who can make plays and run the pick and roll.”
The scout was quick to come up with a solution to solve Simmons’ shooting woes, according to him, the 76ers should make all efforts possible to sign Kyle Lowry.
“The ideal person to run the Sixers offense is Kyle Lowry, who made $30.5 million for Toronto last season and will be entering free agency.”
Though Lowry isn’t the player he used to be, the All-Star can definitely shoot the ball and can definitely run the offense.
Simmons recently signed a max contract worth $177M for 5-years with the 76ers. The 2020 NBA steals leader had a very disappointing 2021 playoffs. Thus the possibilities of him being traded could seem tough, especially since he has an expensive contract as well.
However, Simmons is an all-around player, who can contribute to many aspects of the game. Thus the addition of Kyle Lowry can resolve and mask his inability to shoot.
