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So arent we basically saying that Simmons and Zion do not optimally compliment each other well defensively...And they are less than ideal together offensively as well.

Not really. I'm saying there aren't many players in the NBA that are capable of defending Jokic or Embiid, and if they are, they sure as hell can't defend the perimeter too.

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Why would he need to step up??

I didn't say they had to. The point was they never will, and it gives Zion and Simmons a head start on gaining that momentum towards the rim. If you effectively set the pick then it's a 2 on 1 with Zion/Simmons against Jokic. We win that 9/10.
Then you'll start seeing the ball handlers defender sagging off so he doesn't get screened. That's when the ball handler needs to be able to hit a short jumper/floater in the lane, and Simmons has done that many times.

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I mean we saw this last year, Adams can set you a nice screen but teams just build walls and then dare us to shoot

B/c Simmons rolling to the rim is the same as Adams rolling to the rim

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Put Simmons at the 5 and it's not playing to either Zion or Simmons strengths.

Simmons isn't a 5 on the break, just in the halfcourt. You can say what you want, but until that happens, he'll be worthless in the halfcourt on any team, same thing happened with Lonzo.

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Both players really need the same thing, and neither of those things features the other: Lots of spacing, rim protection, secondary playmakers that can play on and off the ball. 4 other guys that can hit threes reliably, a couple of them that can play-make and be three level guys.

I agree. Like i said, i'm just pointing out that i personally don't think it would absolutely not work with Zion/SImmons. It can work. Just need the right players around them. Now can they win a championship? Probably not, unless Simmons learns how to make a FT. I could care less about him making 3's, but you can't be a bully down low attacking the rim while being a putrid FT shooter