It seemed like Ben Simmons’ days as an NBA participant have been numbered. After lacking all the 2021-2022 season with a again damage following his commerce from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets, Simmons returned to play solely 43 video games throughout the 2022-23 season and simply 15 video games throughout the 2023-24 marketing campaign final yr.
Simmons has gotten his profession again on monitor to some extent this season, beginning 24 video games for the Nets in his 33 complete appearances. Brooklyn waived Simmons in the future after the 2025 NBA commerce deadline on Friday, and suitors are already lining up for his providers.
The Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Houston Rockets are reportedly desirous about signing Simmons after he was purchased out by Brooklyn. Simmons wants a smaller position nowadays as his physique has began to interrupt down after power again accidents, however he’s been efficient sufficient in restricted minutes that playoff groups need him on board.
Simmons is averaging 6.2 factors, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per sport this season on 56.2 % true taking pictures. He’s nonetheless terrified to get fouled (he’s tried 26 complete free throws this yr) which limits his effectiveness, however he’s able to channeling his First-Staff All-Protection previous briefly spurts. It’s wild to assume Simmons remains to be solely 28 years previous.
Let’s rank the suitors for Simmons by the place he may truly have an effect on profitable within the playoffs.
3. Houston Rockets
The Rockets may not have a tried-and-true celebrity but (although Amen Thompson is likely to be turning into one), however Houston does have one of many deepest rotations within the Western Convention. On the ahead spots alone, the Rockets can throw out Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, Jae’Sean Tate, or slide Thompson to the three.
Simmons’ defensive capacity makes him an excellent match for an Ime Udoka roster. Houston’s protection is No. 4 within the NBA this yr with so many massive, bodily defenders who can hound the ball. That’s nonetheless Simmons’ sport at his finest, and Udoka is the kind of tremendous intense coach who would possibly be capable of get probably the most out of him.
I simply fear that Simmons gained’t truly be capable of break into the rotation right here. Udoka units such a excessive normal of excellence, and already has so many choices he can go to on the ahead spots. The Rockets are a nasty taking pictures workforce, rating No. 28 in each three-point price and three-point share. Simmons is a complete non-shooter who will solely make their spacing worse.
Signing Simmons can be good damage insurance coverage, and there are actually playoff matchups the place he may come in useful, however I like Houston’s rotation as it’s.
2. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers seemed like they have been about to be Western Convention doormats when Paul George left in free company for the Philadelphia 76ers and Kawhi Leonard was dominated out at begin the season with extra knee damage upkeep. LA was in a position to transform its roster with athletic defenders after George left, and when Norm Powell had a career-year as a scorer at age-31, the Clippers have been proper again within the Western Convention playoff combine.
At 28-23 general after the commerce deadline, the Clippers are at the moment the No. 7 seed within the West. LA’s protection is already elite, rating No. 3 within the league, and including Simmons would double-down on their id. He can be nice damage insurance coverage for when Leonard inevitably is dominated out of a play-in or playoff sport with an damage.
The Clippers have room for one more defender after buying and selling Terance Mann to the Hawks for Bogdan Bogdanovic on the deadline. Ty Lue is an elite head coach who may get one of the best out of Simmons. I’m guessing Simmons wouldn’t thoughts residing in Los Angeles.
I’m just a bit apprehensive in regards to the Clippers’ spacing with Simmons. They’re solely No. 23 within the league in three-point price, and whereas including Bogdanovic and getting Leonard wholesome will assist, that is nonetheless a workforce that will have a little bit of a taking pictures deficit with Simmons on the ground. The Clippers are an excellent choice for Simmons, however they’re not fairly one of the best.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs are one of the best story in basketball this yr. Head coach Kenny Atkinson was employed over the offseason, and instantly labored wonders getting this group out to a 15-0 begin. Cleveland is more likely to be the No. 1 seed within the East heading into the playoffs barring a second-half collapse or an enormous surge from the Celtics.
Cleveland made a pleasant transfer to bolster its wing depth on the commerce deadline by buying De’Andre Hunter from the Hawks. The commerce makes it clear the Cavs assume they’ll win the title this yr. Including Simmons can be helpful for situational playoff matchups even when he wouldn’t be anticipated to play an enormous position.
If we get the Cavs-Celtics Japanese Convention Finals everyone seems to be ready for, Simmons may come in useful guarding Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Cleveland couldn’t play him with each Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley on the ground, however he may match subsequent to Mobley when the younger massive slides to heart. The Cavs have the spacing to accommodate him: Cleveland is No. 5 within the league in three-point price, and No. 1 in three-point share by making 39.4 % of their triples.
The Cavs have the No. 1 offense within the league. They’re good-not-great on protection with the league’s No. 8 general unit. Simmons isn’t a game-changer at this stage of his profession, however he may assist the Cavs in a small position, and that’s price a buyout signing.
