The New York Knicks have been rumored as potential suitors for former No. 1 overall draft pick Ben Simmons during the current offseason. However, Knicks insider James Edwards III expressed significant reservations about adding Simmons to the team’s roster, highlighting concerns beyond Simmons’ defensive capabilities. The focus on Ben Simmons Knicks signing concerns centers on how his offensive limitations could disrupt the team’s established playing style.
Analyzing Simmons’ Fit With the Knicks’ Current Roster
Edwards acknowledged Simmons would provide size and defensive versatility in the backcourt, suggesting intriguing possibilities with a lineup including Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby for brief periods. Despite that, he warned against relying on Simmons as a backup point guard requiring a tailored offense.
If you’re asking me what I think of the fit, I wouldn’t be a fan of the signing. Yes, he’d add some much-needed size to the backcourt. Yes, a defensive lineup of Simmons, Bridges and Anunoby would be intriguing for small portions of a game. However, I’m not a fan of having to have a tailor-made offense for a backup point guard,
—James Edwards III, Knicks Insider
Edwards further pointed out Simmons’ reluctance to shoot or engage as a scorer, complicating how he would operate alongside non-shooters like Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson.
Simmons’ inability to shoot — or even look at the basket — makes it so that Brown couldn’t successfully play him with non-shooters like Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson. Giving significant minutes to a guard or wing who isn’t willingly looking to score isn’t something I’d sign up for.
—James Edwards III, Knicks Insider
The need for New York to fully embrace five-out spacing this season was also emphasized as a critical aspect that could be compromised by integrating Simmons.
New York needs to embrace its five-out spacing this season more than it did last year, and adding someone like Simmons to the rotation makes it trickier to do that.
—James Edwards III, Knicks Insider
Ben Simmons’ Career History and Recent Performance
Ben Simmons was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft but missed his entire rookie year because of injury. Once healthy, he earned three consecutive All-Star selections from 2019 through 2021. However, Simmons’ tenure with the Sixers ended abruptly following a disappointing Game 7 performance in the 2021 playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, after which he did not play another game for Philadelphia.
Simmons was subsequently traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for James Harden, but recurring back problems limited him to only 90 appearances across three seasons. During his final contract year, Simmons was bought out by Brooklyn and finished last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging just 2.9 points per game over 17 games.
Implications for the Knicks’ Strategy Moving Forward
While Simmons could alleviate some defensive strains and reduce ball-handling pressure on starters like Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride, his offensive drawbacks present significant hurdles. The Knicks must weigh the benefits of enhanced defense against the potential disruption to their offensive spacing and tempo if they decide to sign Simmons.
The ongoing discussion surrounding Ben Simmons Knicks signing concerns reflects the delicate balance New York faces between defensive reinforcement and sustaining offensive fluidity during the season. As the offseason progresses, decisions regarding roster composition will reveal how the Knicks prioritize these competing elements.