Byron Scott warns 76ers about Ben Simmons trade risks

Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Byron Scott warned the Philadelphia 76ers that their new-look lineup could run into trouble early in the season, saying the team’s biggest risk is the lack of chemistry after the big offseason moves. Scott made the comments on a CBS Sports segment on Thursday night, after the 76ers finished their preseason on a shaky note.

The 76ers entered the offseason with a major shake‑up. They traded away James Harden and a draft pick for Ben Simmons, and they added Jalen Johnson and a second‑round pick in a three‑team deal with Brooklyn and Milwaukee. New head coach Nick Spires has been tasked with blending Simmons’ defensive prowess with the existing core of Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Tyrese Haliburton. The move has raised questions about how quickly the team can gel.

Scott, who coached the Lakers to an NBA title in 2000, said the biggest danger is that the 76ers are chasing a star player without a clear role for him. “Simmons is a great defender,” Scott said, “but he can’t carry a team. The 76ers need a system that lets them play as a unit, not a collection of big names.” He cited the Lakers’ early‑season struggles in 2009 when a new roster lacked cohesion, and warned that the 76ers could face similar issues if they don’t prioritize team play over individual talent.

The 76ers’ first regular‑season game is on Friday against the Boston Celtics, a matchup that will test the new roster’s chemistry. Coach Spires is expected to give Simmons a limited role while the team works on ball movement. If the 76ers can avoid the pitfalls Scott mentioned, they could start the season strong, but if they fail to build chemistry, the big‑name strategy may backfire. The next few weeks will be crucial to see if Philadelphia can turn their offseason gamble into a winning formula.