Ben Simmons to the Big Apple: Could New York Be the Perfect Stage for the Former No. 1 Pick’s Redemption?

The New York Knicks are reportedly eyeing Ben Simmons as a potential acquisition for their final veteran minimum contract slot, with the 29-year-old former No. 1 pick of the 2016 NBA Draft finding himself at the crossroads of a career that once had boundless promise. After a tumultuous few seasons that included injuries, criticism, and a major shift in his career trajectory, the Knicks could represent the perfect place for Simmons to resurrect his game. The Knicks, coming off a solid season where they showed resilience and growth, have a chance to add depth and versatility to their roster — and Simmons might just be the low-risk, high-reward gamble they need.

Simmons entered the NBA with sky-high expectations, hailed as a generational talent. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking vision had many experts comparing him to the next Magic Johnson or LeBron James. Standing 6’10” with elite passing skills, Simmons was expected to revolutionize the point guard position. He immediately made an impact as a rookie with the Philadelphia 76ers, earning the Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and showing flashes of his remarkable potential.

However, despite making multiple All-Star teams and winning NBA All-Defensive honors, Simmons’ career has not lived up to the lofty expectations set for him. His glaring lack of a reliable jump shot became a major talking point, and his unwillingness to evolve as a scorer — particularly in high-pressure moments — led to growing frustration, both from fans and teammates. Perhaps the most significant moment in Simmons’ career to date was his infamous performance in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, where his inability to take open shots in critical situations — especially in Game 7 — led to his eventual departure from Philadelphia.

The fallout from his playoff struggles set the stage for a trade to the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster deal for James Harden. Unfortunately, Simmons’ time in Brooklyn has been anything but a fresh start. Injuries, most notably a back injury that kept him sidelined for the entirety of the 2022-23 season, and mental health challenges compounded his difficulties. When he did return to the court, he struggled to find his rhythm, averaging career-low numbers in virtually every category. Despite showing glimpses of his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities, Simmons was often a shell of the player he once was.

Now, with a new chapter potentially awaiting him in New York, questions swirl around whether Simmons can recapture the form that once had everyone in the basketball world talking. The Knicks, who made the playoffs last year and are looking to build on their success, could provide a much-needed environment for Simmons to reset and reinvent himself. With an existing core of young talent and established veterans like Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have the foundation of a solid team that could thrive even further with Simmons’ versatility.

First and foremost, Simmons’ defensive prowess could be a perfect fit for the Knicks. New York has long been known for its rugged, gritty defensive identity, and Simmons has all the tools to complement that philosophy. At 6’10”, he has the ability to guard multiple positions, from point guards to power forwards, and his elite basketball IQ allows him to make smart rotations and disrupt passing lanes. While the Knicks’ defense was strong last season, adding Simmons would elevate their ability to switch, contest shots, and play multiple defensive schemes without losing a step. His presence on the floor could open up more opportunities for other defensive-minded players like Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart, allowing the Knicks to play a more dynamic brand of defense that could stifle opponents across multiple matchups.

Offensively, the Knicks are more structured than free-flowing, with much of the offensive burden falling on Jalen Brunson. However, one area where Simmons could be useful is in secondary playmaking. While he may not have developed into the primary scorer many once envisioned, his playmaking ability remains a major strength. At his peak, Simmons averaged 8 assists per game, often making highlight-worthy passes and setting up teammates for easy baskets. With the Knicks’ offensive system built around ball movement and creating open shots, Simmons could function as a secondary ball handler, facilitating and finding open teammates, particularly when the starting lineup takes a breather.

Simmons’ ability to play as a point forward, initiating offense from the top of the key and creating mismatches for the defense, could help the Knicks keep their offense flowing when Brunson is off the floor or in the midst of rest. His court vision and passing creativity would give head coach Tom Thibodeau another weapon to deploy in bench-heavy rotations, helping to keep the offense from stagnating during key moments of the game. Furthermore, the potential pairing with players like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley could lead to smoother offensive sets, where Simmons could act as the connective tissue, getting the ball to the right player in the right spot.

While Simmons’ role as a scorer has been limited in recent years, his athleticism and ability to finish in transition could also make him a valuable piece for the Knicks in up-tempo situations. As the NBA continues to trend toward small-ball and speedier, fast-paced play, Simmons has the tools to run the floor and finish in transition, helping the Knicks generate easy buckets. His speed and versatility could allow him to thrive in a system that prioritizes pace while also alleviating some of the scoring load from players like Julius Randle and RJ Barrett.

Despite these potential contributions, there remains a level of skepticism surrounding Simmons, both from analysts and fans. His inability to develop a reliable jump shot — or any semblance of offensive aggression in key moments — is a lingering concern that no amount of defensive prowess can entirely cover. Can Simmons overcome the mental hurdles that have plagued him throughout his career? Will he ever regain the confidence and assertiveness he once had as a top pick? These are questions that remain unanswered and that will likely determine whether his tenure in New York is a success or a disappointment.

However, one thing is certain: the pressure on Simmons in New York would be different from the intense scrutiny he faced in Philadelphia and Brooklyn. The Knicks fanbase is passionate and loyal, but they have also seen enough failure and heartache to temper their expectations. Simmons would not be expected to carry the team or put up superstar numbers — the Knicks have established stars who can shoulder the load. Instead, he could be given the opportunity to rebuild his confidence, focus on his strengths, and gradually reintegrate himself into a role that maximizes his unique skill set.

The media spotlight in New York would certainly be bright, but the Knicks’ organization could offer a more supportive environment for Simmons than his previous stints. Surrounded by a roster full of players who are also trying to prove themselves, Simmons could lean on his teammates for support, avoiding the toxic atmosphere that plagued his last few seasons. Thibodeau, known for his defensive acumen, would likely appreciate Simmons’ work ethic and ability to lock in on that side of the ball. While offensive struggles could remain a challenge, Thibodeau is the kind of coach who values defense and grit, and Simmons would likely earn his trust as a defensive anchor who can contribute on that end.

For the Knicks, adding Simmons on a veteran minimum contract is a calculated risk. With limited cap space and a roster that is largely set, this is a low-risk move that could yield significant rewards. If Simmons can find his groove and regain some of the form that made him a top-tier talent, the Knicks could have one of the most versatile players in the league at their disposal. If not, they lose very little, having invested only the minimum salary for a player with immense upside.

Ultimately, the Ben Simmons experiment in New York could be a win-win. The Knicks would get a player who can contribute immediately in a limited role while still offering high-level defense and playmaking. Simmons would get a fresh start in a city that embraces redemption stories, and in the basketball epicenter of Madison Square Garden, he could rewrite the narrative of his career. Whether or not Simmons can make good on this second chance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the basketball world will be watching closely, and so will Knicks fans.