Ben Simmons is reportedly willing to play on a minimum deal, leading some to wonder if the Los Angeles Lakers will take a chance on the Australian basketball star.
The 30-year-old has been out of the NBA for a season, but his name is once again being thrown around as a potential solution to the Lakers' need for a starting-level wing or forward. Simmons' career has been marred by injuries and a lack of production, particularly on the perimeter. He hasn't hit a 3-pointer in his NBA career.
A player such as Simmons is tempting, especially given his age and defensive versatility. However, as Colin Keane of Lake Show Life wrote, there isn't a lot of substance behind that intrigue. "Simmons as a small-ball five backing up Walker Kessler instead of Kevon Looney! Simmons as a defensive monster roaming behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves!" Keane said. "Intriguing, innit? Sure is. But then again, intrigue has never been something Simmons fails to produce in NBA onlookers, even of the front office variety."
The problem with Simmons is that he's mentally weak and has a tendency to struggle with communication. In Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals between the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks, he passed up an open dunk and scored just five points on four shot attempts. This led to coach Doc Rivers questioning whether Simmons could be the starting point guard on a championship team.
Simmons took this as an insult and demanded a trade, which ultimately led to him being traded to the Brooklyn Nets. He's been dealing with back problems since then and hasn't shown any signs of improvement. The Lakers have enough ball-handlers and creators now that they've added Collin Sexton to their roster, making it less likely that they'll take a chance on Simmons.
Simmons' career averages are impressive, with 13.1 points on 55.8% shooting, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals a game over seven NBA seasons. He was voted into the All-Star game three times and made the All-Defensive first team twice. However, these numbers don't tell the whole story, and the Lakers would be wise to look elsewhere for a starting-level wing or forward.
Simmons is reportedly taking part in a player-led minicamp for the Australian national team, per Marc J. Spears of ESPN. This has led some to wonder if he'll attempt a return to the NBA, but it's unlikely that the Lakers will take a chance on him. Without much fiscal risk involved, the Lakers might be tempted to take a look at Simmons, but it's a risk they shouldn't take.
Source: Yahoo Sports