The Bill Simmons Podcast Harden-Simmons Trade Watch: Day 427, Plus More Deadline Buzz With Kevin O’Connor and Jackie MacMullan
Feb 7, 2022
Jackie MacMullan, a veteran basketball writer, and Kevin O’Connor, a savvy NBA analyst, dive into the swirling trade rumors surrounding Ben Simmons and James Harden as the deadline approaches. They dissect the potential impacts of these trades on team dynamics, especially for the 76ers and Nets. The duo also discusses intriguing moves like Caris LeVert to the Cavaliers and the Pelicans eyeing CJ McCollum, while analyzing the rising Grizzlies and the ever-evolving landscape of player relationships in the league.
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Chris Paul's Transformation
- Chris Paul's career resurgence after adopting a plant-based diet and prioritizing his health is an example for Harden.
- For Harden to regain top form, a similar commitment to physical transformation may be necessary.
Harden-Embiid Fit
- Pairing Harden and Embiid, while seemingly powerful on paper, may not be a perfect fit stylistically.
- Harden has never played with a big like Embiid, and Embiid hasn't played with such a prolific pick-and-roll creator.
Simmons-Embiid Tension
- Ben Simmons reportedly felt unfairly blamed by Embiid for their playoff loss, while not blaming Embiid for previous failures.
- Outside influences, such as family and agents, often exacerbate tensions between players.