The Golden State Warriors are currently tied with the Boston Celtics at two games apiece in the NBA Finals. Draymond Green, typically one of Golden State's best players, has labored throughout the Finals. He posted just 2 points and was removed during the 4th quarter in Game 4. Green received plenty of criticism for his poor player, leading some to draw Ben Simmons comparisons.
Simmons fell apart during the postseason last year with the Philadelphia 76ers. He ultimately opted not to play until being traded this season. And even upon being traded, Simmons never suited up for the Brooklyn Nets. Simmons has become arguably the most mocked NBA player in today's game as a result.
The mockery began during the 2021 postseason when Simmons passed up a number of open shots/layups. The Sixers ended up losing and many blamed Simmons.
Green passed up a few open shots in Game 4 and the Ben Simmons comparisons came rolling in. But are they warranted?
Here are some examples of NBA Twitter comparing the two players.
https://twitter.com/SportzFirst/status/1535492418086219776
Ben Simmons got killed for this but because it’s draymond green it’s fine lmao pic.twitter.com/qniLu0nmYy
— jw (@jwmedia12) April 28, 2022
Is that Draymond Green or Ben Simmons?
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) June 11, 2022
And here are two reasons why Draymond Green should not be compared to Ben Simmons.
2 reasons the Draymond Green-Ben Simmons comparisons are bonkers
Draymond Green is a hard worker and 3-time NBA champion
Ben Simmons may put in hard work behind the scenes. However, many have called his work ethic and desire into question. He did not want to play this season and that rubbed many people the wrong way.
Did Draymond Green struggle in Game 4? Yes. But he still worked hard and did what he could to contribute. He was upset when coach Steve Kerr removed him from the game midway through the fourth quarter.
Additionally, Green is a 3-time NBA Finals champion. Meanwhile, Simmons is ringless.
From an effort/winning standpoint, there is no comparison here.
Different roles
Draymond Green does not need to score to find success on the Warriors. He is a high-energy defensive presence with rebounding and passing ability. Despite scoring just 2 points in Game 4, Green posted 9 rebounds and 8 assists.
Ben Simmons was arguably the best player on the 76ers. He was a star who needed to be aggressive on the offensive end. Simmons is a point guard so passing is a part of his game. But he lacked a killer mentality which is needed when you are one of the best offensive options on your team.
The other main option on the Sixers was Joel Embiid. He and Simmons were destined to carry Philadelphia to the Finals but Simmons did not hold up his end of the bargain.
The Warriors feature electric scorers such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. In the past, they have had offensive juggernauts like Kevin Durant.
Draymond Green hasn't ever needed to be a primary scoring option.
So it is officially time to stop the Draymond Green-Ben Simmons comparisons!
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