Stephen A. Smith Explains Why Ben Simmons Is A Better Option With Kevin Durant And Kyrie Irving Than James Harden: “Unlike Harden, Ben Simmons Is An Elite Defender.”

View the original article to see embedded media.

Following the joining of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets were put on the map in 2019. On paper, it felt like the superstar duo would turn the fortunes of the franchise and lead them to an NBA Championship soon. Additionally, the Nets also traded for James Harden and formed a Big 3.

It felt like the Nets were all set to win at least a couple of rings with the trio of KD, Kyrie, and Harden. Unfortunately, as good as it sounded on paper when the three superstars played together, it was far from good. Due to various reasons, the Nets struggled to succeed.

Ultimately, it led to James Harden demanding a trade out of the Nets. Without much fuss, Harden was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade package majorly around Ben Simmons.

While Ben Simmons is yet to play a single game with KD and Kyrie, many are expecting the trio to work better in the forthcoming NBA season. NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith, in particular, believes that Simmons fits better with Irving and Durant than Harden.

(Starts at 0:45)

"You Ben Simmons, after what you been through last year, he seems in a better place, okay? Well, guess what, you gonna be on the court. Keep in mind, that, unlike Harden, Ben Simmons is an elite defender. Unlike Harden, Ben Simmons don’t need the ball in order to be what you need him to be.”

As Smith pointed out, Simmons is an elite defender who will bode well with the duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

The two stars can take over on the offensive end of the court, and it would leave Simmons to become the leader on defense. If the three superstars can figure out a way to have great chemistry, then the Nets might really represent the Eastern Conference.