The New York Knicks may consider free agent Ben Simmons as a depth option. Could Mike Brown unlock his passing and defense to give New York a unique boost off the bench?
The New York Knicks are still evaluating ways to round out their roster, and one name being floated is as surprising as it is intriguing: Ben Simmons.
The former No. 1 overall pick and Rookie of the Year has seen his career spiral from centerpiece of “The Process” in Philadelphia to struggling to hold a consistent role in recent years. But could Madison Square Garden provide him with the fresh start he desperately needs?
According to SNY’s David Vertsberger, Simmons was one of five free agents who could make sense for New York as the team looks to add final pieces.
“Simmons can still push the ball off a defensive rebound and bring it up in the half-court, but has lost all aggressiveness on offense,” Vertsberger noted. “He rarely looks to drive and when he does, it’s rare he actually attacks the rim with any real intent to score or draw in the defense. He can screen and make connective plays from there, a tantalizing prospect under Mike Brown’s Domantas Sabonis playbook — but this and some decent defense won’t make him anything more than a spot minutes specialist.”
What Simmons Could Bring to the Knicks
Simmons is no longer the All-Star caliber player he once was, but that doesn’t mean he’s without value. New York’s biggest issues last season often came on the defensive end, particularly in the playoffs. With Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns carrying the scoring load, the team could use a defensive-minded player who provides different looks.
Simmons’ size and length can still create problems on defense, even if he’s no longer a lockdown stopper. Importantly, the Knicks wouldn’t be asking him to guard the opposition’s top scoring threats — that responsibility belongs to OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Instead, Simmons could contribute in bench minutes, offering versatility and a unique skill set.
A Secondary Playmaker Off the Bench
Another area where Simmons could prove useful is as a secondary facilitator. When Brunson sits, Simmons’ passing and screening could give New York a different dimension that its current guard rotation lacks. He has the ability to initiate offense in transition or connect plays in the half-court, even if scoring is no longer his strength.
Can Mike Brown Unlock Simmons?
Simmons’ most recent stint with the Los Angeles Clippers saw him fade out of the playoff rotation entirely. But the Knicks’ new head coach, Mike Brown, has been praised throughout his career for developing players and putting them in positions to succeed. If there’s a coach capable of salvaging Simmons’ career, New York may just have him.
For the Knicks, taking a low-risk flyer on Simmons could be worth exploring. At best, he becomes a valuable role player who shores up defense and ball movement. At worst, he’s a temporary depth piece who costs little to bring in.
Either way, the idea of Ben Simmons in orange and blue adds yet another layer of intrigue to a Knicks offseason already filled with high expectations.
