There aren’t many options left on the NBA free agent market, but one name that offers some intrigue is former All-Star point guard Ben Simmons. After an incredible start to his career, the former number one pick has seen his game completely abandon him to the point that he was rumored to be considering retirement this offseason.
Simmons could surely be signed for a minimum contract, and as a 15th man, could offer a rare combination of point guard and big man skills with elite defensive upside to boot. It’s been years since we’ve seen anything close to peak Simmons, but if a team could unlock even a shred of that in small doses, it would be a massive advantage.
The Nuggets have an open roster spot and a glaring hole at backup point guard. Simmons could at least be worth a shot. Denver could offer him a great situation where he could set up elite offensive players all around him and lead the defense for stretches.
The theoretical fit is seamless, and the Nuggets have enough talent and versatility to cover up most of his weaknesses. Unfortunately, his issues have been as much mental as physical in recent years, and he has looked terrified to shoot or even put himself in a position to possibly get fouled. He’s unplayable in crunch time, but that wouldn’t be an issue in Denver.
Simmons worth a gamble on upside
There’s virtually no risk at all in signing Simmons, and the potential upside is through the roof. Still just 29 years old, Simmons can still bring it at a high level on defense and showed some nice glimpses as a small-ball point center as recently as last season for the Clippers.
Simmons came into the league as a dynamo, a 6’10” Swiss Army Knife who immediately became one of the best defenders in the league. He made First-Team All-Defense twice, coming in second place for Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
During his four seasons in Philadelphia, he also made an All-NBA team and averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Whatever you think of him now, he was an elite two-way player all that long ago who appeared to be well on his way to a Hall of Fame career. Maybe that player is gone forever, but at his age and price tag, it’s certainly worth it for the Nuggets to go ahead and find out.