NBA Trade Rumors: Will Sixers Consider Pitches For Ben Simmons?

The Philadelphia 76ers have been quietly lording it over the Eastern Conference with their young talent, plus the coming of Jimmy Butler. With a stacked lineup, there are, however, concerns on how the current crop can go with so many stars wanting the ball, including Ben Simmons.

It is no secret that floor spacing is one of the areas that the Sixers need to address. Butler, a bonafide star who can light it up when he chooses to do so, understandably wants the ball in his hands most of the time. But such a scenario raises concerns about the use of other players, particularly Simmons and even Joel Embiid.

In early December, Embiid was quoted as saying to Philly.com that he wasn't himself lately, possibly singling out the change that head coach Brett Brown has made for the team. Floor spacing is believed to be the problem, a big one when one considers the lineup as a whole.

Then just recently, there was that "The ball didn't find me" rant by the Cameroonian when the Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day, 121-114. Embiid did acknowledge his share of the blame for the loss, but he also made a jab at the team's game plan in another report from Philly.com.

With floor spacing seemingly a problem, critics are suggesting possible moves. That includes doing the unthinkable: trading some key players. But the Sixers are unlikely to be considering at this point unless it comes at the right price.

Embiid, one of the talented big men that other teams could go after, may get his share of suitors. But someone else who could draw interest is Simmons.

Seeing how valuable and talented the Australian player is, trading him away may take a lot. But one issue that comes tied up to him is his lack of shooting from the perimeter. He has shot only 8-percent from beyond 10 feet and has yet to attempt from the three-point area, Fadeawayworld.net pointed out.

This means that with no outside shot, an opposing defender can easily predict that the 22-year-old is more than likely to pass off to big men like Embiid or try to penetrate inside. This may be the case for now, but the Sixers can eventually help the top overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft develop his shooting stroke moving forward.

It is a reality that any young player entering the NBA will come with some kind of deficiency. And as far as Ben Simmons is concerned, this is something that can be developed in time. So the better question is how long Philly is willing to wait.