Atlanta Hawks: “Pass or pursue” on 3 recently rumored targets
Rumoured Atlanta Hawks target No. 1) Ben Simmons
The first superstar in the pass or pursue pipeline is the Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons.
Simmons was taken by the 76ers with the first pick in the 2016 NBA draft. He would then go on to miss his entire rookie season due to injury. However, when he hit the hardwood in 2017, Simmons was all that he was advertised to be and then some.
Fans get hung up on the fact that he does not have a 3-point shot and that he struggles at the line. The Aussie is a 6’11” point guard who is almost averaging a triple-double for his career. He has the ability to score, rebound, pass, and defend at a high level but has a permanent asterisk next to his name due to his shooting.
Well, if he came to the Atlanta Hawks that would not matter. While the Hawks would have to give up Collins, another young gun, and a solid veteran at the very least, Simmons would be surrounded by players who can hit the 3-ball.
Pair him up with Trae Young and you have one of the most dynamic backcourts in the entire league. Finding teams who could defend the speed and shooting of Young as well as the all-around play of Simmons would be an impossible task. They would challenge for the top spot in the East.