The Atlanta Hawks and the rest of the NBA are less than a week away from the start of training camp and the excitement has never been higher. The same can be said of expectations. Many outlets have projected the Hawks to finish around the fifth-seed again but it still seems low to see them below teams like the Miami Heat and, in particular, the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philly fell victim to the Hawks ascension in the second round, going out after six games. At the center of that was fallout from Ben Simmons passing up on a dunk late.
Ironically, it seems now that many believe a play for Simmons makes sense for Atlanta as they try to take the next step to an NBA Finals berth. While that might have been an avenue worth exploring at one point in time, that time has passed.
The Atlanta Hawks should pass on trading for Ben Simmons
Let’s preface this by saying Simmons — who reportedly won’t be showing up until he is traded — is still an immense talent capable of impacting the game on both ends. That being said, his one limitation is a glaring one. So much so that it has become the main focus of their offseason.
ESPN Sources: Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons will not report for opening of training camp next week and intends to never play another game for the franchise. Simmons hasn’t spoken to team since a late August meeting when he communicated this message to Sixers officials.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2021
This is why we’ve consistently pushed back on Philly frequently checking in ahead of the Hawks in power rankings.
It’s also why, after the offseason the Hawks had, pursuing Simmons no longer makes sense for this squad. Three things happened this offseason to make a Simmons trade seem more like an unnecessary change because of the name than the value he might provide.
Because, to be clear, a 25-year-old three-time All-Star, two-time All-Defensive Teamer, former steals champ who is just one year removed from an All-NBA selection does have value.