It's completely useless to discuss if Simone is a "lynch pin". No one can actually tell you what that means. It's just a term. If we miss the play in by one game is he a "lynch pin". If he we don't is he not? Who cares, it's made up.
Fact is, the Jazz just traded their starting SF (we started winning when he was inserted in the starting lineup btw) in the middle of the playoff race. Unless that pick is rerouted, that is a clear signal they don't give a **** about making the play in. Simone helped us win, plain and simple. Trading him for a pick means you are not trying to win more games. It is inarguable (as it stands) which direction this puts the Jazz for this season, it's backwards.