There was a time when Ben Simmons looked like the future of the Philadelphia 76ers. Now, the idea of Simmons returning to Philadelphia could be in the cards, according to recent reports.
“Ben Simmons could be the protagonist of one of the most surprising comebacks of the summer in the NBA,” according to Sixers insider Diego Jimenez. “The Philadelphia 76ers are considering adding the Australian with a one-year minimum salary contract to complete the last spot on their roster, an operation that just a few months ago would have seemed unthinkable. However, the arrival of LeBron James, the team’s lack of interior depth, and Simmons’ desire to return to the league have completely changed the scenario.”
Now, Simmons has had one of the most frustrating falls from grace in recent NBA history. Once an All-Star, All-Defensive selection and one of the league’s best two-way players, the 6’10” forward has spent the past several seasons battling injuries and a lack of minutes.
Simmons has averaged 13.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 0.7 BPG over his 7-year career, holding three All-Star selections, two All-Defensive Team selections, an All-NBA appearance, and being the Rookie of the Year.
And still, the rumors connecting him back to Philadelphia make some sense.
The 76ers have assembled a superteam around LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid. Simmons only needs to make plays while surrounded by some of the most talented offensive players in basketball.
But there are better destinations for him, rather than suiting up for the franchise that gave up on him and essentially ended his prime years.
The right situation for Simmons isn’t necessarily another team with the most stars. It’s a team that can give him a clearly defined role and protect his weaknesses.
Here are five destinations that could make more sense.
5. Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are going nowhere, and that could actually make them a fascinating landing spot for Simmons.
Sacramento needs something worth selling to a fan base that has spent too much time watching the franchise search for direction. Simmons could at least provide another name to follow while allowing the Kings to see whether there’s anything left in the tank.
Some publicity is better than no publicity. The obvious question is what role he’d play.
At his best, Simmons wasn’t a traditional power forward. He was a 6’10” point guard who could grab a defensive rebound and immediately initiate the offense.
During his All-NBA season in 2019-20, Simmons averaged 16.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists, while shooting 58.0% from the field.
He also averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists during the 2020-21 season while earning his third consecutive All-Star selection and an All-Defensive nod.
That player isn’t guaranteed to return. But Sacramento doesn’t need to pretend it knows exactly what Simmons can become.
The Kings could simply give him opportunities alongside the likely staying Zach LaVine. Let him handle the second unit, try to facilitate, and grab rebounds to push the break.
And if Simmons somehow finds a little of that old confidence? At minimum, Simmons would provide a recognizable name for a franchise that needs some publicity and another storyline.
The Kings aren’t going anywhere fast, so why not take a low-risk gamble?
4. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are building around Cooper Flagg, and Simmons could provide something extremely valuable to a teenage superstar: a living example of how a massive forward can function as a primary ball handler.
Simmons was essentially a point guard trapped inside a power forward’s body, and Flagg was forced into that role last season. Flagg did admirably, averaging 21.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 4.5 APG, but he needs to improve as a primary decision-maker, which he probably will with time.
At 6’10”, Simmond had the handle, vision, and transition instincts to initiate offense like a guard. His passing was perhaps his greatest gift. He averaged 8.0 assists per game in 2019-20, an absurd number for a player his size.
Flagg doesn’t need to become Simmons because Dallas should hope he becomes much more offensively versatile.
But Simmons could help demonstrate the possibilities of a big initiator who can rebound, push the ball and create advantages before the defense gets set. Also, Dallas doesn’t need Simmons to be its No. 1 creator.
Instead, Simmons could become a secondary playmaker and defensive utility piece. Give him the ball against second units and use his size to create mismatches.
And on defense, allow him to guard larger wings and forwards. The biggest problem is obvious: Simmons’ lack of shooting can create spacing issues.
But next to a young superstar who is capable of operating all over the floor, Dallas could potentially hide some of that.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
This one makes a lot of sense if Simmons accepts a completely different role because he should not be going to the Los Angeles Lakers expecting to become Luka Doncic‘s co-star. He should go there to become a defensive weapon.
The Lakers have legitimate concerns on the perimeter and at forward, and Simmons’ best remaining NBA skill might be exactly what they need most.
At his peak, Simmons could defend virtually anybody as a former two-time All-Defensive Team member. He earned All-NBA Third Team honors in 2019-20, and his defensive value was never dependent on shooting the basketball.
That’s why Los Angeles could make sense.
If Simmons can give them 15-20 quality minutes of disruptive defense, rebounding and transition play, that could be considerably more valuable than anyone else.
The Lakers have a glaring question at forward after losing LeBron James and Rui Hachimura.
Simmons could give Los Angeles a huge, experienced defender who can fill minutes across multiple positions while allowing the coaching staff to keep the offense centered around Doncic.
2. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs could use a 10th or 11th man with the talent of Ben Simmons. That’s why this could work.
Victor Wembanyama has already established himself as the franchise centerpiece, and San Antonio has built a young roster around him that doesn’t require another player to dominate possessions.
Simmons could simply become a defensive and playmaking specialist. The Spurs also have the perfect defensive environment for a player like Simmons.
Put a 6’10” former All-Defensive player in front of Wembanyama, and suddenly opposing offenses have to navigate an enormous amount of length.
Simmons can be the first line of the defense while Wemby anchors it inside. A contender doesn’t necessarily need Simmons to be a star, just needs him to be useful.
And San Antonio could potentially give him the clearest path toward becoming that again. For both parties, this is a low-risk, high-reward gamble.
1. Miami Heat
This might be the most interesting destination of all.
The Heat have never been afraid of complicated players, and if Simmons has some more left in the tank, Miami is exactly the kind of franchise that could try to unlock it.
And the timing would be fascinating.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo forming one of the league’s best frontcourt duos, Miami doesn’t need Simmons to be the third star. They need bodies and versatility.
The Heat still need shooting, which obviously makes Simmons an imperfect fit. But he can fill other holes on the roster.
But Miami’s bench could use another veteran capable of defending multiple positions, pushing the ball, and facilitating offense. Simmons could provide that without needing to dominate possessions.
Giannis, Bam, and Simmons provide a lot of length, athleticism, and switching.
Simmons could spend stretches defending the opponent’s best wing while Giannis and Bam handle the back line. That’s the version of Simmons Miami should want.
Not the former No. 1 pick trying desperately to prove he’s still an All-Star, and Simmons might even adopt this mentality in a big market.
He would be playing alongside Giannis and Bam, two stars whose work ethic and physicality are central to their identities. Miami would demand accountability, but it would also give Simmons a clear opportunity to contribute.
As a player off the bench, Simmons can be a great pickup for the Heat.
