Ben Simmons to Knicks? Why New York Should Avoid the Comeback Gamble

Ben Simmons is searching for an NBA comeback after sitting out the 2025-26 season, but the Knicks may be the wrong destination. His shooting limitations and the attention surrounding his career could create unnecessary problems for the defending champions.

Ben Simmons is attempting to work his way back into the NBA, but the New York Knicks may be one of the worst possible destinations for the former No. 1 overall pick.

Simmons sat out the entire 2025-26 season after years of physical problems dramatically altered what was once one of the most promising careers in basketball. Now 30, the three-time All-Star has been working toward a comeback and has generated at least some interest around the league, including a reported training-camp opportunity from a Western Conference team. 

Given New York’s championship status and its need to fill out the back end of the roster, Simmons’ name inevitably creates intrigue.

But James L. Edwards III of The Athletic recently argued that while Simmons deserves another NBA opportunity, the Knicks should not be the team providing it. His reasoning centers on two issues that have followed Simmons throughout his career: offensive fit and the attention that comes with his name. 

For a rebuilding franchise willing to experiment, Simmons might represent a low-risk reclamation project.

For the defending champions, he could represent an unnecessary complication.

Simmons’ Lack of Shooting Is the Wrong Fit Around Brunson and Towns

At his peak, Simmons was one of basketball’s most unusual talents.

A 6-foot-10 primary ball-handler capable of defending multiple positions, pushing in transition and creating for teammates, Simmons earned three All-Star selections and became one of the NBA’s elite defensive players.

That version would obviously interest almost every contender.

The problem is that New York cannot make a roster decision based on what Simmons was several years ago.

His last NBA appearances came with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2024-25, when he played only 18 games and averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 16.4 minutes. He then sat out the entire following season while attempting to fully recover physically. 

Even if Simmons returns healthy, the basketball fit remains difficult.

New York’s offense is constructed around Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson needs space to manipulate pick-and-roll coverages and attack the paint. Towns’ greatest offensive advantage comes from pulling opposing big men away from the basket.

Adding a non-shooter can work against both strengths.

Defenses have historically been comfortable backing away from Simmons when he does not have the ball. That creates another defender near the paint and can reduce the driving lanes Brunson uses so effectively.

Edwards highlighted precisely that problem, arguing that opponents would be able to sag off Simmons and congest New York’s offense. 

For a title contender, that matters more than Simmons’ theoretical upside.

The Knicks do not need another player who must dominate the ball to maximize his strengths.

They already have Brunson.

They have Towns as a secondary offensive hub.

Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart also need touches, while New York’s reserve backcourt already contains players such as Miles McBride, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek.

Any final roster addition should ideally make those players easier to use together.

Simmons could make lineup construction more complicated instead.

There is certainly an argument for using him as a small-ball center, where his passing and defensive versatility could be more valuable and his lack of shooting less damaging.

But even that would require Simmons to prove he can consistently handle the physical demands of playing against NBA big men after the back issues that have disrupted much of his recent career.

New York is trying to repeat as champion.

It should not be using meaningful possessions to discover whether an experimental role might work.

The Knicks Don’t Need the Attention That Would Follow a Ben Simmons Comeback

The second concern has less to do with basketball.

Simmons would not arrive in New York like a typical minimum-contract veteran competing for the 13th or 14th roster spot.

He would arrive as Ben Simmons.

Former No. 1 overall pick.

Former All-Star.

Former All-Defensive player.

One of the most discussed and polarizing NBA careers of the last decade.

Every missed jumper would become content. Every game without a field-goal attempt would generate debate. Every stretch outside the rotation would produce questions for Mike Brown.

That is essentially Edwards’ second argument: the Knicks already operate under an enormous microscope, and Simmons would receive far more attention than a player near the end of the rotation normally should. 

The defending champions do not need that.

New York enters 2026-27 facing enough significant storylines already.

Can Brunson and Towns lead another championship run?

How will the Knicks replace Mitchell Robinson?

Will Towns receive a long-term extension?

Can Mike Brown prevent championship complacency?

What happens with Miles McBride’s future?

The final roster spot should not become another daily storyline.

That does not mean Simmons no longer belongs in the NBA.

There are legitimate reasons for another team to take the chance.

He has reportedly been working seriously toward a return, participated without restrictions in Australia’s national-team mini-camp and has drawn enough interest to receive at least one training-camp opportunity. 

A rebuilding organization could give him minutes without worrying about immediate championship consequences.

If Simmons rediscovered even part of the defender and playmaker he once was, that team could uncover value at almost no financial risk.

New York’s calculation is different.

The Knicks already have what Simmons would theoretically be trying to help them find:

a championship-level identity.

Their job is to protect it.

Leon Rose should be looking for players who complement Brunson, Towns, Bridges and Anunoby rather than requiring the rest of the roster to accommodate them.

A third center with rim protection could help.

Another reliable shooter could help.

A low-maintenance defensive wing could help.

Ben Simmons remains fascinating because of the player he once was and the possibility that some version of that talent could still exist.

But fascination is not the same thing as fit.

Simmons deserves an opportunity to prove he can play in the NBA again. The Knicks simply do not need to be the team that takes the gamble.