Ben Simmons has attracted a lot of attention as a free agent, but which team is best for him?
Ben Simmons is no longer the former All-Star caliber player. But as a reliable distributor and defender, Simmons can still bring much to a competitive team.
After lukewarm water stagnated with the Brooklyn Nets and the LA Clippers, Simmons became a free agent for the first time in his NBA career.
Returning to the Big Apple is an option as the Knicks are interested in Ben Simmons. But if the Australian security guards enjoyed his time in California, he could also move there.
The Sacramento Kings are also paying attention to Simmons’ movements. However, given the king’s desire to pursue Jonathan Cuminga, he may not be their first choice.
But which team is best for a former Rookie of the Year? Well, the NBA analysis ranked the best landing spots for Simmons based on the four teams that Brett Siegel is interested in.
The Phoenix Suns desperately need a point guard. Devin Booker did a brilliant job in that role, but he is not a natural point guard.
The Suns missed Chris Paul, who chose to sign the Clippers instead. Why not go to Simmons?
Phoenix took Simmons to a cheap, unguaranteed contract and was able to see how he worked before he gave up.
The Boston Celtics are reportedly at Simmons’ market. His versatility as a guard becomes enormous for them as they navigate the year of reconstruction.
Brett Siegel noted that the Celtics are not a competing team for next season and there is no need for Simmons. But a one-year contract just to see how things couldn’t go.
“The Celtics just got out of their second apron, and they’re not the best place to compete for this next season.
Again, perhaps this could be a “try-out year” for Boston’s Simmons to see if he fits his long-term plan after Jason Tatum recovers from Achilles’ injury. We don’t rule out the Celtics here. ”
As mentioned earlier, King Sacramento is interested in Ben Simmons. With De’aaron Fox’s departure, the king needed a ball handler.
And while Dennis Schroeder fits in the role, the depth Simmons can provide them may be useful.
Brett Siegel said this about the king’s interest.
“Russell Westbrook and Brogdon have also been mentioned as potential candidates, but the King’s interest in Simmons is genuine.
“His playmaking ability as a primary facilitator fits the type of player Sacramento needs next to Sabonis. Needless to say, Simmons’ rebound ability will be evaluated in the same way.”
Simmons will never be a terrible addition to the New York Knicks. However, it is difficult to see how he fits into their plans in the future.
First, as a serious playoff team, the Knicks need players who can thrive in the playoff environment. Given Simmons’ previous playoff failures, he doesn’t fit the bill.
Plus, the Knicks’ cap suppression makes dealing with him much more difficult. Siegel expanded with the same:
“Simmons would suit the Knicks well, but there are two roster spots to fill, about $3.7 million from the second apron hard cap.”
Wherever Ben Simmons goes, he can’t afford to waste opportunities. No one expects him to return to All-Star form.
But he can’t go outside and be netnet negativity for the team whenever he step into court. If he were just a passerby and a defender, he would have a place in the NBA.
Simmons’ confidence hasn’t been the same since 2021. If he can find some of that back, he can make a valuable contribution to the team he signs with.
But if he can’t, if he’s groping for opportunities, don’t expect Simmons to return to the NBA without grafting.