Cedric Maxwell on Ben Simmons-Jaylen Brown swap: “not on this earth”

Long-time former Celtic and 1981 NBA Finals MVP Cedric Maxwell isn’t against the idea of a Jaylen Brown trade.

He is just vehemently against the idea of sending Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers and receiving Ben Simmons in return.

Maxwell cited Simmons’ lack of skills (in his own opinion, of course) and a lack of a defined role as reasons why giving him the starting floor general role in Boston is an idea not even worth considering. 

Per his appearance on “Sports Sunday” with Michael Felger (per NBC Sports Boston):

"…what about Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons?“Not on this earth,” Maxwell replied. “The guy can’t shoot, he can’t rebound, he’s a broken guy and you’re bringing him to this team to do what? No.”"

Maxwell was asked about two point guard options, with the other one being Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. He was very keen on the idea of adding Lillard, which the Houdini certainly is as well.

As far as options elsewhere on the floor, he was bullish on the potential addition of Karl-Anthony Towns but bearish on the addition of Bradley Beal.

Even in his assessment of Beal, there was nowhere near the level of shade as what was thrown at Simmons:

"“No,” Maxwell said. “When I say that, I want somebody who’s going to contrast Tatum. I want a rebounder. I want someone who’s going to block some shots. Beal is a scorer.”"

While the comments re: Simmons are humorous, they also reveal a sad fact about how Simmons is perceived by peers and former players. The NBA fraternity is seemingly low on the Australian at the moment, which is understandable considering the Sixers’ collapse against the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the 2021 Eastern Conference playoffs.

But very few are quite as low as Mr. Maxwell was.