Ben Simmons is attracting a whole lot of consideration as a free agent, however which crew is finest fitted to him?
Ben Simmons is now not the All-Star caliber participant he as soon as was. However as a dependable distributor and defender, Simmons can nonetheless carry so much to a aggressive crew.
After lukewarm stints with the Brooklyn Nets and the LA Clippers, Simmons is now a free agent for the primary time in his NBA profession.
A return to the Massive Apple is an possibility, because the Knicks are serious about Ben Simmons. But when the Australian guard loved his time in California, he might make a transfer there too.
The Sacramento Kings are additionally eyeing a transfer for Simmons. However given the Kings’ want to pursue Jonathan Kuminga, he may not be their first alternative.
However which might be the crew finest fitted to the previous Rookie of the 12 months? Nicely, NBA Evaluation has ranked the perfect touchdown spots for Simmons, based mostly on the 4 groups Brett Siegel is reporting have an interest.
The Phoenix Suns are in determined want of some extent guard. Devin Booker has performed an admirable job within the function, however he isn’t a pure level guard.
The Suns missed out on Chris Paul, who selected to signal for the Clippers as a substitute. Why not go for Simmons, who might do effectively within the proto-forward function and distribute the ball?
Phoenix might carry Simmons on an affordable, non-guaranteed contract and see how he works out for them, earlier than waiving him.
The Boston Celtics are reportedly available in the market for Simmons. His versatility as a guard and ahead might be big for them as they navigate a rebuild yr.
Brett Siegel did level out that the Celtics aren’t a contending crew subsequent season, and won’t have a necessity for Simmons. However a one-year deal simply to see how issues go couldn’t harm.
“The Celtics simply received out of the second apron, and so they aren’t in the perfect spot to contend this upcoming season, which might make Simmons’ match questionable.
Then once more, maybe this could possibly be a “tryout yr” for Simmons in Boston to see if he would slot in with their long-term plans as soon as Jayson Tatum recovers from his Achilles harm. I wouldn’t rule out the Celtics right here.”
As talked about earlier than, the Sacramento Kings have curiosity in Ben Simmons. With the departure of De’Aaron Fox, the Kings wanted a ball-handler.
And whereas Dennis Schroder suits that function, the depth that Simmons might present for them may turn out to be useful.
Brett Siegel had this to say in regards to the Kings’ curiosity:
“Though Russell Westbrook and Brogdon have been talked about as potential candidates as effectively, the Kings’ curiosity in Simmons is actual.
“His playmaking skills as a major facilitator match the mould of the participant Sacramento wants subsequent to Sabonis. To not point out, Simmons’ rebounding skills could be valued as effectively.”
Simmons, under no circumstances, could be a horrible addition to the New York Knicks. Nevertheless it’s exhausting to see how he would match into their plans sooner or later.
For starters, as a severe playoff crew, the Knicks want gamers who can thrive in a playoff setting. Given Simmons’ earlier playoff failures, he simply doesn’t match the invoice.
Plus, the Knicks’ cap restraints make a cope with him so much tougher. Siegel expanded on the identical:
“Simmons would slot in effectively with the Knicks, however they’ve two roster spots to fill and are about $3.7 million from their second apron exhausting cap.”
Wherever Ben Simmons finally ends up going, he can’t afford to waste the chance. Nobody is anticipating him to return to All-Star kind.
However he can’t exit and be a net-negative to a crew at any time when he steps on the court docket. If he can simply be a stable passer and defender, he could have a spot within the NBA.
Simmons’ confidence hasn’t been the identical since 2021. If he can discover a few of that again, then he could make some worthwhile contributions to no matter crew he indicators for.
But when he can’t, and he fumbles the chance, don’t anticipate Simmons to return to the NBA with out having to graft.
