Why the 76ers should target CJ McCollum in a Ben Simmons trade

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Dec 28, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) dribbles the ball past Philadelphia 76ers forward JJ Redick (17) and guard Ben Simmons (25) during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. The Blazers won 114-110, CJ McCollum, Ben Simmons trade. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

There is a growing sentiment around the league that at least seven teams are interested in acquiring the services of Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons. Shams Charania of The Athletic (subscription required) stated on December 13th that the Lakers, Knicks, Timberwolves, Kings, Cavaliers, Pacers, and Trail Blazers were all interested in trading for Simmons.

CJ McCollum’s skill set and the Philadelphia 76ers offense indicates that he is the best player the team can acquire in a Ben Simmons trade

However, only one trade partner makes sense for Philadelphia in a Ben Simmons trade – Portland. The 76ers need to acquire at least one player in the Ben Simmons trade that can be effective on and off the ball because of their current offensive system.

Philadelphia has been heavily relying upon post-ups and pick and rolls the first 27 games of the 2021-22 regular season. They have decided to run a post-up 7.2 percent of the time this season, ranking third in the league, averaging 7.6 possessions per game in 28 games.

Head coach Doc Rivers has given at least 80 percent of the team’s post-ups to their number one option – Joel Embiid. The big man is averaging 8.3 per game in 17 outings.

When Embiid is in the post, he has at least three of his teammates standing behind the arc in hopes of pulling other defenders away from him. Consequently, multiple 76ers players have attempted more than 23 percent of their shots from behind the arc.

For instance, Tobias Harris and Seth Curry have taken at least 25 percent of their shots from three, averaging 3.9 and 5.3 per game, respectively. A significant number of those threes have been catch-and-shoot attempts, averaging 3 and 3.4, respectively.

Therefore, the 76ers need an extremely effective player from behind the arc. CJ McCollum can definitely be that guy for them.