Ben Simmons is a player who has attracted a lot of attention from NBA teams this offseason.
The Australian played for the LA Clippers last season, and although he did not get a lot of important minutes, Ben Simmons showed that he could still be a valuable NBA player.
His defense is not at the level it once was, but his playmaking is still elite and could be useful for many teams in the league.
The New York Knicks were reported to be one of the teams interested in acquiring his services.
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty ImagesIan Begley does not think the Knicks are favorites in the Ben Simmons sweepstakes
Simmons is one of the few free agents left on the market who could be useful for NBA teams.
The Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics are the two destinations Simmons could move to next.
Photo by Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images
While he could be a great pickup for the Knicks due to the two-way output Simmons can produce, Ian Begley thinks it is not likely that the first overall pick from the 2016 draft moves to the Big Apple.
Begley said: “Logic tells me to take the field because there are so many different variables here for the Knicks. They have interest, other teams have interest, and they have one spot unless they make a trade to open up another.”
“So it seems to me you are looking at Landry Shamet or a Ben Simmons-type player. That is why I would probably take the field. Are the Knicks the favorite? I do not think so.”
Knicks would not be a great fit for Simmons
Simmons’ career has not gone as initially predicted by scouts and even former NBA players.
He was athletic and could play brilliantly on both ends of the floor, which drew LeBron James comparisons.
However, his career took a dip after his final year with the Philadelphia 76ers, where a pass on an open layup in the playoffs led to a lot of criticism directed at Simmons.
He forced his way out of Philly and eventually moved to the Brooklyn Nets, but Simmons was not able to play like his former self.
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Moving to another big pressure situation would not be ideal for Simmons as it would be difficult to expect a lot from him.
The Knicks are going to be contenders next season as they have made some great moves in free agency by adding Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson.
Bringing Simmons to an already stacked rotation will not only limit his minutes, but also prevent them from bringing in other pieces that could be useful.
They just have one roster spot remaining and using that for Simmons, who has not played his best basketball in recent years, would not be the best decision.