Former No. 1 Pick Ben Simmons Could Reinvent Himself in Boston as Celtics Eye Frontcourt Help After Major Departures

Ben Simmons has spent the last few years quietly slipping out of the NBA spotlight, burdened by injuries, confidence issues, and a growing perception that he may never recapture the magic that once made him a No. 1 overall pick. But now, with the Boston Celtics facing a frontcourt crisis, the door may be creaking open for a most unexpected revival. According to recent reports, Simmons could be on the radar for the reigning NBA champions—not as the playmaking point-forward he once was in Philadelphia, but in a new, humbler role that could suit the version of him that remains. And if it works, it won’t just be a lifeline for Simmons—it could be a transformation that reshapes the way the league thinks about him.

The Celtics find themselves in an unusual spot this offseason. After capturing their 18th championship, they’ve lost critical size and depth in the frontcourt. Kristaps Porzingis is expected to miss significant time due to injury, Luke Kornet has moved on, and Al Horford, the dependable veteran who helped anchor their defense, is likely done as a regular contributor. For a team that relied on strong interior defense and rebounding en route to a title, this creates a concerning gap—one that could derail a repeat bid if left unaddressed. That’s where Simmons enters the picture.

At first glance, linking Simmons to Boston feels like a stretch. After all, his last few seasons have been mired in inconsistency. Back issues, knee problems, and a long layoff from meaningful playoff basketball have all taken their toll. The once-explosive point guard with a penchant for carving up defenses in transition now faces skepticism at nearly every turn. Yet beneath the baggage still lies a 6’10” athlete with elite court vision, defensive versatility, and an ability to push the pace—traits the Celtics could use, even if deployed differently than in Simmons’ earlier years.

The appeal lies in fit. Boston doesn’t need Simmons to be a savior. They already have their offensive engine. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White have developed into two-way threats, Anfernee Simons brings a scoring punch, and Payton Pritchard provides energy and spacing. There’s no need for Simmons to initiate the offense or take on late-game responsibilities that require a confident jump shot—arguably his most glaring weakness. Instead, the Celtics can ask him to do the things he’s still good at: defend, rebound, and make quick reads in transition.

It’s not unlike the path Luke Kornet followed. A relatively unknown big man who bounced around the league, Kornet found stability and value in Boston’s system, eventually earning a $40 million contract because the Celtics identified and optimized what he did best. They didn’t ask him to be a star. They asked him to be dependable. That’s exactly what Simmons could be, albeit with a more dynamic ceiling.

Defensively, Simmons remains a rare asset. At his best, he can guard five positions, anticipate passing lanes, and disrupt rhythm with his size and lateral agility. In Boston’s switch-heavy schemes, those skills become even more valuable. He wouldn’t be required to bang bodies every possession as a traditional center, but as a mobile big in small-ball lineups or a second-unit anchor, Simmons could thrive in spurts. He has the IQ and physical gifts to operate as a modern hybrid big—a Draymond Green-lite role that minimizes his flaws and emphasizes his strengths.

Rebounding is another area where Simmons can contribute immediately. The Celtics often relied on collective rebounding efforts from wings and guards when Horford or Porzingis weren’t on the floor. Simmons, with his size and instincts, could help fill that void. He’s averaged over seven rebounds per game throughout his career, and in a smaller role with fewer minutes, maintaining that level of impact could be crucial.

Where Simmons truly differentiates himself from other backup bigs is his ability to push the ball in transition. After a stop, Simmons grabbing a board and igniting the fast break creates opportunities for shooters like Pritchard, Simons, or Sam Hauser to spot up early in the shot clock. It adds a new dynamic to Boston’s bench unit—one that doesn’t rely solely on half-court execution but leverages tempo and mismatch advantages.

Still, this potential partnership isn’t without risks. Simmons’ health remains a major question mark. He has played in just 57 games over the past three seasons, and even when available, his effort and mental approach have been inconsistent. Boston, with its championship aspirations, can’t afford a vanity project. They need players who are locked in, willing to sacrifice, and eager to win in whatever way is asked. That’s the challenge Simmons must meet. The days of being handed the keys to a franchise are over. If he wants another shot, he’ll have to earn it the hard way.

The good news for Simmons is that Boston offers an ideal environment for reinvention. The Celtics have one of the league’s most respected coaching staffs, led by Joe Mazzulla, who has shown the ability to balance player development with title contention. They’ve built a culture that’s competitive but not cutthroat—a place where veterans like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis found new purpose, and where role players have been nurtured into critical contributors. If Simmons commits, the infrastructure is there to help him succeed.

There’s also the Boston fan base to consider. Passionate, intense, and deeply invested in their teams, Celtics supporters can be harsh—but they also love a comeback story. They remember players who gave everything, even if they weren’t stars. Simmons, if he embraces a new identity and plays with consistent effort, could find that rare second chance—not just in the league, but in the hearts of a sports-crazed city that thrives on resilience and redemption.

Of course, there are logistical questions. What would a contract look like? Would Simmons be willing to sign a minimum or team-friendly deal to prove himself? Would he accept a role that could fluctuate from game to game depending on matchups? These are not small considerations. Yet if the mutual interest is real, and both sides are aligned in vision, the fit is intriguing. Boston has the luxury of exploring upside plays thanks to its depth and success. Simmons, meanwhile, may not get many more chances to re-enter a stable, winning organization with a clearly defined role and limited pressure.

In a league that often moves on quickly from flawed stars, Simmons’ story feels like it’s at a crossroads. He’s only 28—young enough to still reshape his narrative, but old enough that time is running out. If the Celtics are serious about giving him a shot, it may be the perfect opportunity for both player and team. Boston gets a versatile piece to patch up its frontcourt rotation. Simmons gets a clean slate.

More than that, he gets a chance to show he still belongs—not as the player he once was, but as the player he can be now. Not every journey back to relevance follows the same path. Sometimes, it’s not about reclaiming past glory but accepting a new role with humility and hunger. If Simmons is ready to do that, Boston might just be the stage where his second act begins.

And in a city built on gritty comebacks, that kind of story might be exactly what the Celtics and their fans never knew they needed.