Healing Ben Simmons

Back on the rocket ship to superstardom

BY DAVID THORPE

Be sure to check out David’s two recent articles on Ben Simmons: realistic trade proposals, and hypothetical (amazing) fit on the Warriors.

Not long ago, Ben Simmons was on a path to MVP contention. How does he get back to that? SCOTT TAETSCH/GETTY IMAGES SPORT 

Ben Simmons’ basketball career has been an explosive ride. Top overall NBA draft pick, massive contract, best perimeter defender on the planet, crazy elite passer, and he has played for the top overall team in the conference. At an age when Michael Jordan’s playoff record was 5 wins and 15 losses, Simmons has 19 wins and 15 losses. 

Not long ago, Ben Simmons was piloting a rocket to the stars.

Except now Simmons is demanding a departure from that top-ranked team, whose fans can’t wait to see him go. It’s unique in NBA history. Have we ever seen a star player, with years left on a huge contract, demand a trade from an elite team? This isn’t James Harden or Anthony Davis asking to leave bad teams for good ones. Or a p…