Would you rather build around Zion Williamson or Ben Simmons?

2 of 3

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 09: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans is defended by Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on April 09, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Would Ben Simmons be a better fit on the New Orleans Pelicans than Zion Williamson?

Although on the surface you would rather have Williamson to build a contender around, Simmons has actually shown a lot more in his career as to why he would be the better option. Especially during the regular season where he is already a three-time All-Star by the age of 24, was the Rookie of the Year, and has even received some MVP votes in the past.

All of this is a world away from Williamson, who, although coming into the league three years after Simmons, has played in only 85 games total. He has also been an All-Star, his numbers have been silly, and his performances have been awe-inspiring. But at this point, both the durability and desire of Williamson have been called into question.

The Pelicans are a mess right now, and that is not all on Williamson. They’ve let the likes of Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball leave, and, in Brandon Ingram, have another All-Star level talent who they are failing to put the right players around. Trading Simmons for Williamson straight up would be an incredibly tough sell, but imagine if Simmons was on the Pelicans.

What they would get is one of the best defensive players in the league. Somebody who, on any given night, is the best defender in the league. Simmons has been on All-Defensive First Team the last two years.

His own durability has been called into question having missed his entire rookie year due to injury, but at this stage, he has at least taken to the court in 275 regular-season games and has 34 playoff appearances.

Imagine if he came in and anchored a Pelicans team that desperately needs some consistency in the regular season in order to push their development along. Simmons has the sixth most triple-doubles in the league of active players (32) and would do a bit of everything for the Pelicans. He would be their answer at point guard.

Then when the playoffs begin, if the Pelicans could get there, Simmons could defer to Ingram. His lack of three-point shooting has been exposed horrifically before, and although Embiid is a better player than Ingram, the fit between Simmons and Embiid has long been put under the microscope. The combo of Ingram and Simmons does, in theory, look like a better fit for both.