With most major trades and signings completed in the NBA offseason, several teams are now focusing on filling roster gaps ahead of training camps this October. One notable free agent generating buzz is Ben Simmons, who remains unsigned after playing for both the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers last season. Ben Simmons free agent interest is gaining traction as teams such as the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and New York Knicks explore adding depth at the point guard position.
Recap of Ben Simmons’ Career and Recent Challenges
Ben Simmons began his NBA journey as the top overall pick in 2016, winning Rookie of the Year and establishing himself as an All-Star and All-Defensive player. However, his trajectory dramatically shifted following the 2021 playoffs, where his performance faced heavy criticism within the Philadelphia 76ers organization and among fans. Simmons subsequently sat out the entire 2021-22 season before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Unfortunately, injuries limited his impact with the Nets, leading to a mid-season waiver that allowed him to sign with the Clippers. In Los Angeles, he averaged 16 minutes over 18 regular season games and saw his playing time reduced further during the Clippers’ first-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Why Teams Are Considering Simmons as a Backup Point Guard
Several teams view Simmons as a potential low-cost, high-reward acquisition to improve their backcourt rotation. The Phoenix Suns, for example, are looking to replace Tyus Jones, who recently signed with the Orlando Magic. Although Simmons’ recent production has not matched Jones’ level, his previous elite playmaking ability and defensive versatility make him an intriguing option. Standing 6-foot-10, Simmons’ size creates matchup problems for opposing guards, and he can effectively facilitate offense without dominating the scoring load.
Fit with Phoenix and Other Interested Teams
The Suns’ roster includes high-usage guards Devin Booker and Jalen Green, making Phoenix a logical environment for Simmons to contribute as a bench player. In this role, he could run the second unit’s offense and complement Booker or Green by creating scoring opportunities while minimizing the need for Simmons to shoulder a heavy offensive burden. This usage model could also apply to the Celtics, Kings, and Knicks, where Simmons would provide playmaking off the bench and focus heavily on defense.
Considerations and Outlook for Simmons’ Next Chapter
While adding Simmons to the roster may appear to be a low-risk gamble due to his youth and past achievements, teams must temper their expectations because of his injury history and periods of limited effectiveness on both offense and defense. At 28 years old, Simmons still carries the promise of regaining his early-career form, which helps explain why multiple teams are interested despite recent setbacks. Signing Simmons could provide valuable depth at point guard and offer the potential of unlocking the untapped potential demonstrated earlier in his career.
“There are still a slew of unsigned players which could make an impact on any number of teams, among them is Ben Simmons, who played for both the Nets and Clippers last season.” —Marc Stein
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Ben Simmons date a Kardashian?
A. Kendall Jenner and Ben Simmons began their relationship in May 2018, but it ended by September that year. They got back together briefly in November for a casual romance. However, they stopped seeing each other again in May 2019.
Q. Why was Ben Simmons suspended?
A. Ben Simmons, the Philadelphia 76ers’ top point guard, has been suspended for one game due to behavior harming the team, the 76ers said Tuesday. Because of this, Simmons will miss the team’s first game on Wednesday in New Orleans, starting at 8 PM Eastern Time.
Q. Why did Kendall Jenner leave Ben Simmons?
A. According to IMDb, Brody Jenner hinted that Kim Kardashian and her stepbrother, Brandon Jenner, shared an inappropriate kiss. However, it may not be as serious as it sounds. Sources familiar with the Kardashians say the kiss 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 has a back nerve impingement, and he will be unable to play for an undetermined period.