Here are some key talking points you can use when somebody compares Ben Simmons to Giannis in any way
Feel free to apply these liberally when you see this silly topic, or just link the entire article if you'd like!
I do see why certain fans, media personalities, et cetera like to compare Ben Simmons to Giannis Antetokounmpo. I get the logic, even if it’s deeply flawed. They are big and don’t shoot well (or at all) and handle the ball, so there is a rough outline that connects them.
Unfortunately for Simmons, that is where the comparison disconnects from reality. Giannis just led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first title in 50 years, Simmons has yet to lead the Sixers past the second round, or at all, really — Joel Embiid is the leader of that team.
There are a lot of reasons why Simmons shouldn’t be compared to Giannis, at least until he can somehow prove he is capable of lifting up a team, so I’ve decided to compile some of the best ones here for you all to use the next time you see one of these “but how good would Ben Simmons look in Giannis’ role” questions posed.
Giannis, in his age 24 season, led the Bucks to the Eastern Conference Finals with Eric Bledsoe as his point guard. Simmons, in his age 24 season, lost to the Hawks in the second round when he infamously passed out of an open dunk with nobody but Trae Young in the vicinity.
Ben Simmons scored 143 points in his 12 playoff games this year. Giannis scored 149 points across four straight NBA Finals wins that secured the Bucks their first championship in five decades.
Giannis got killed on Twitter and on debate shows for an 18 point stinker in Game 2 of the Nets series. Ben Simmons has averaged 12.9 points across his last 24 playoff games.
The worst three-point shooting starter (aside from Ben) on the 2020-21 76ers in the playoffs was Tobias Harris, who shot 37.1 percent. The best three-point shooting starter on the 20-21 Bucks in the playoffs was Khris Middleton, who shot 34.1 percent.
Simmons has deadeye shooters and an MVP candidate in Joel Embiid to take attention off of him currently — what about being on the Bucks in Giannis’ place would make his life easier?
Conversely, put Giannis on a team with a top 2 MVP finishing DPOY caliber center who just shot 37% from 3 plus several other very good shooters and how good is THAT team? Seth Curry/Danny Green/Tobias Harris/Giannis Antetokounmpo/Joel Embiid would be a freaking juggernaut.
There is a championship-winning forward you can compare Ben Simmons to, it’s just not Giannis. One of these statlines is not like the others:
Ben Simmons over his last two postseasons: 12.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.9 blocks
Draymond Green over his last two postseasons: 12.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.5 blocks
Giannis Antetokounmpo over his last two postseasons: 29.1 points, 13.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists. 0.9 steals, 1.1 blocks
Alternatively, you could simply present either (or both!) of these tweets without comment:
