NBA Trade Rumors: 3 best destinations for John Collins
John Collins destination No. 3: Philadelphia 76ers
A potential John Collins-Ben Simmons swap has been all the talk of late, and it seems to be only gaining steam. With the 76ers under tons of pressure to get anything back for the all-star, a trade with the Hawks would be beneficial for both sides.
One of the biggest issues for Atlanta this season has been their lackluster defensive effort and scheme, something that Simmons can immediately improve. So far, they sit in 28th in defensive rating, only above Portland and Houston.
The initial fit on the offensive end will be difficult, as both Young and Simmons have almost exclusively operated with the ball in their hands. As a non-shooter, Simmons can only be effective without the ball in halfcourt sets when he’s rolling to the rim or in the dunker spot, something that Trae can expertly take advantage of.
A pick-and-roll between Young and Simmons can be impossible to stop, considering Ben’s finishing and passing ability if he gets the ball under the basket. Ideally, this offense wouldn’t be run with a traditional center such as Clint Capela on the floor, as he would clog the lane, hindering Simmons’ effectiveness.
On the other hand, John Collins could easily slot in next to Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid in the frontcourt, providing another viable offensive option to the Philadelphia lineup. Harris has not proven himself as a number two option in the biggest of games, and while the team is benefitting greatly from impressive seasons from Tyrese Maxey and Seth Curry, neither are exactly playoff-tested.
Getting a player of Collins’ caliber at this point in the Ben Simmons saga would be a win for the Philadelphia 76ers front office and Daryl Morey. It’s a situation where you acquire the talented player first, then figure out how you’re going to use him later.
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He would ideally provide another offensive element both around the rim and beyond the arc, helping space the floor for Embiid when he’s in the post. This move would improve both teams in the long haul if they’re willing to make the blockbuster trade.