Ben Simmons is attracting a lot of attention as a free agent, but which team is best suited for him?
Ben Simmons is no longer the All-Star caliber player he once was. But as a reliable distributor and defender, Simmons can still bring a lot to a competitive team.
After lukewarm stints with the Brooklyn Nets and the LA Clippers, Simmons is now a free agent for the first time in his NBA career.
A return to the Big Apple is an option, as the Knicks are interested in Ben Simmons. But if the Australian guard enjoyed his time in California, he could make a move there too.
The Sacramento Kings are also eyeing a move for Simmons. But given the Kings’ desire to pursue Jonathan Kuminga, he might not be their first choice.
But which would be the team best suited for the former Rookie of the Year? Well, NBA Analysis has ranked the best landing spots for Simmons, based on the four teams Brett Siegel is reporting are interested.
The Phoenix Suns are in desperate need of a point guard. Devin Booker has done an admirable job in the role, but he is not a natural point guard.
The Suns missed out on Chris Paul, who chose to sign for the Clippers instead. Why not go for Simmons, who could do well in the proto-forward role and distribute the ball?
Phoenix could bring Simmons on a cheap, non-guaranteed contract and see how he works out for them, before waiving him.
The Boston Celtics are reportedly in the market for Simmons. His versatility as a guard and forward will be huge for them as they navigate a rebuild year.
Brett Siegel did point out that the Celtics aren’t a contending team next season, and will not have a need for Simmons. But a one-year deal just to see how things go couldn’t hurt.
“The Celtics just got out of the second apron, and they aren’t in the best spot to contend this upcoming season, which would make Simmons’ fit questionable.
Then again, perhaps this could be a “tryout year” for Simmons in Boston to see if he would fit in with their long-term plans once Jayson Tatum recovers from his Achilles injury. I wouldn’t rule out the Celtics here.”
As mentioned before, the Sacramento Kings have interest in Ben Simmons. With the departure of De’Aaron Fox, the Kings needed a ball-handler.
And while Dennis Schroder fits that role, the depth that Simmons could provide for them might come in handy.
Brett Siegel had this to say about the Kings’ interest:
“Although Russell Westbrook and Brogdon have been mentioned as potential candidates as well, the Kings’ interest in Simmons is real.
“His playmaking abilities as a primary facilitator fit the mold of the player Sacramento needs next to Sabonis. Not to mention, Simmons’ rebounding abilities would be valued as well.”
Simmons, by no means, would be a terrible addition to the New York Knicks. But it’s hard to see how he would fit into their plans in the future.
For starters, as a serious playoff team, the Knicks need players who can thrive in a playoff environment. Given Simmons’ previous playoff failures, he just doesn’t fit the bill.
Plus, the Knicks’ cap restraints make a deal with him a lot harder. Siegel expanded on the same:
“Simmons would fit in well with the Knicks, but they have two roster spots to fill and are about $3.7 million from their second apron hard cap.”
Wherever Ben Simmons ends up going, he cannot afford to waste the opportunity. No one is expecting him to return to All-Star form.
But he cannot go out and be a net-negative to a team whenever he steps on the court. If he can just be a solid passer and defender, he will have a place in the NBA.
Simmons’ confidence hasn’t been the same since 2021. If he can find some of that back, then he can make some valuable contributions to whatever team he signs for.
But if he can’t, and he fumbles the opportunity, don’t expect Simmons to return to the NBA without having to graft.
