The Boston Celtics are reportedly exploring the possibility of adding Ben Simmons to their roster, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. While the Celtics are among the suitors, other teams like the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Sacramento Kings have shown interest in the forward, signaling a competitive market for Simmons’s services.
Ben Simmons’s Recent Performance and Career Challenges
Last season, Simmons split his time between the Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers, appearing in 51 games. He averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 52 percent from the field and nearly 73 percent from the free-throw line. At 29 years old, Simmons is seeking a crucial career revival. Once a top pick with an established record of All-Star appearances and All-NBA recognition, Simmons’s trajectory has been impeded by injuries and inconsistent performance since the 2021 postseason, when offensive difficulties and public scrutiny began to overshadow his abilities.
Durability Concerns and Celtics’ Calculated Risk
The most serious concern surrounding Simmons remains his durability. After missing the entire 2021-22 season due to mental health struggles and back injuries, Simmons saw limited action in the following two seasons, with a total of 57 games played. There remains debate over whether Simmons lacks the drive to compete or has been simply unlucky with injuries. Regardless, Celtics president Brad Stevens appears willing to take a calculated risk by pursuing Simmons during a period when expectations for the team are lowered, possibly making Boston a fitting environment for Simmons’s comeback.
Potential Starting Role and Fit Within Celtics’ Rotation
The question arises as to where Simmons might fit in the Celtics’ lineup, especially given his versatile skill set as a point forward. Currently, Derrick White at point guard and Jaylen Brown on the wing are the only confirmed starters. Payton Pritchard’s role remains somewhat flexible; although talented enough to start, the Celtics might prefer to utilize him off the bench to maintain roster balance and leverage his proven Sixth Man of the Year capabilities.
Anfernee Simons is another possible starter alongside White and Brown, though his status with the team is uncertain heading into the new season. Meanwhile, the power forward and center positions are expected to be managed by committee, leaving the door open for Simmons to claim a starting spot if Boston finalizes his acquisition. His defensive versatility, able to guard all five positions, appears to be a key factor in Stevens’s interest, as well as that of other teams.
Challenges in Adapting to Celtics’ Playing Style
One significant obstacle for Simmons is his lack of a reliable three-point shot, which makes him a rare fit within the current style of play favored by head coach Joe Mazzulla, often referred to as “Mazzulla Ball.” Despite this, the Celtics are planning a roster that differs substantially from past seasons, and integrating Simmons might reflect a broader willingness to experiment with the team’s strategic approach.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Ben Simmons date a Kardashian?
A. Kendall Jenner and Ben Simmons began a relationship in May 2018, but their summer romance concluded by September of the same year.
Q. Why was Ben Simmons suspended?
A. The Philadelphia 76ers announced on Tuesday that star point guard Ben Simmons is suspended for one game. This is due to behavior harmful to the team. Because of this, Simmons will miss the team’s opening game of the season on Wednesday against New Orleans at 8 PM Eastern Time.
Q. Why did Kendall Jenner leave Ben Simmons?
A. Kim Kardashian and her step-brother Brandon Jenner were said to have shared a secret kiss. However, it wasn’t as serious as it seemed. Sources say this happened when Kim was about 11 years old and Brandon was 12.
Q. What is Ben Simmons diagnosed with?
A. On March 24, the Nets revealed that Simmons had a nerve impingement in his back and would be sidelined indefinitely.