Sports
The New York Knicks are closing in on finalizing their championship roster, one that already boasts Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
Yet behind these headline stars lies a subtle void: reliable playmaking and defensive versatility off the bench.
Enter Ben Simmons, once a three-time All-Star who, despite recent setbacks, still commands strong interest from New York’s front office.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks have “checked in” on Simmons as they consider options for their veteran-minimum slot.
Inside sources suggest communication between Simmons‘s camp and the Knicks remains active amid offseason discussions.
A gamble with size, vision, and uncertainty
At 6-foot-10, Simmons brings dimensions few can match, not just in stature, but in his ability to distribute, defend multiple positions, and control pace.
Last season, across stints with the Nets and Clippers, he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, modest numbers by All-Star standards, but evidence of his ongoing ability to impact the game.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report sees Simmons as exactly the kind of low-cost, high-upside investment the Knicks need:
“Ben Simmons is a versatile defender and playmaker, though his lack of three-point shooting limits some fits. … Pencil in Simmons for the New York Knicks on a minimum deal.”
That said, skepticism abounds. As Athlon Sports noted, Simmons is a top candidate for New York’s final roster spot, especially after the team opted against pursuing Russell Westbrook, but his offensive limitations are an acknowledged concern.
Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports highlights that the Knicks, with their health-focused structure, wouldn’t ask Simmons to lead, but rather to rebound, facilitate, and defend, all in a supporting role.
On the flip side, a league GM told PFSN bluntly: “They’re the longshot. He does not want the scrutiny … Simmons’ injury history suggests he’ll likely play only half the season”, a scenario that could hamper roster depth and future planning.
Why this matters for Knicks fans
As the Knicks prepare for training camp, adding Simmons presents a strategic chance to redefine their bench dynamics.
With Mike Brown now at the helm, the club seeks one more guard capable of easing pressure on Brunson and adding versatile insurance in case of injuries.
This is more than a roster filler. It’s a calculated gamble. Simmons could reinvigorate his career on a minimal deal if he embraces a reduced, purposeful role.
But if his back issues flare up, or if he resurfaces in headlines for the wrong reasons, it could backfire.
At the very least, the dialogue between Simmons and the Knicks indicates a willingness to explore bold moves.
In a league where fortunes can shift with one quiet bench addition, New York’s decision may prove pivotal heading into a season full of promise and pressure.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Brewers’ NLDS Game 1 Win Over Cubs Tempered by Jackson Chourio’s New Injury
Another clutch playoff performance by Jackson Chourio had a concerning conclusion for the outfielder and the Milwaukee Brewers.After becoming the first player to collect three hits in the first two innings of a postseason game, Chourio left Saturday’s 9-3 NL Division Series victory over the Chicago Cubs with tightness in his right hamstring.Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after Game 1 that Chourio had undergone an MRI. Chourio missed a month during the regular season with an injury to the same hamstring."They haven’t said anything," Chourio said through an interpreter. "We’re still waiting. But physically I feel good, and I feel in a position where I’m ready to keep going and keep competing."Murphy didn’t sound as optimistic."Obviously it’s real scary," he said. "Having that same hamstring injury to the same leg, we’re hoping that it’s something he can come back from […]
Can Billy Napier save his job again? Upset win over Texas a good start as Florida offense shows signs of life
Florida coach Billy Napier operates best with his back against the wall. For a second straight year, his Gators looked dead in the water before the midway point of the season. And, for a second straight year, Napier might be on the path back to redemption after Florida notched its second win of the season in a stunning 29-21 upset of No. 9 Texas. At the very least, his seat has cooled for another week. It's a movie that Florida fans have seen before. Fresh off a losing season in 2023, Florida started 4-4 in 2024, including a 13-point loss to unranked Texas A&M, a 24-point loss to Miami and a 14-point loss to Georgia. But just days after that loss to Georgia, Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin reaffirmed his faith in his embattled football coach. A rejuvenated Napier led Florida to a […]
Texas fails to live up to lofty hype: Offensive shortcomings plague Longhorns team ranked preseason No. 1
The 2025 college football season has already handed us plenty of curveballs and surprise teams, but as we take stock of the landscape with many teams approaching the midpoint of their year, it's hard to argue there's a more disappointing team in America than the Texas Longhorns. Other teams have fallen short of preseason expectations, and certainly many of those are playing much worse than the Longhorns, who fell to 3-2 with Saturday's 29-21 loss to unranked Florida in Gainesville. Texas' defense has been a shining star for much of the year, starting with a strong showing against No. 1 Ohio State in a 14-7 loss in Week 1 and continuing with absolute defensive gems through the rest of the nonconference slate. But as SEC play kicked off and the competition ramped up, Texas did not meet the moment. Ultimately, that should […]
Emmett Johnson powers Nebraska past Michigan State
Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images Emmett Johnson ran for 83 yards and three touchdowns and Carter Nelson returned a blocked punt for a score Saturday as host Nebraska rallied for a 38-27 victory over Michigan State. Dylan Raiola also completed 16 of 24 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown for the Cornhuskers (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten). The Spartans (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) tied it at 14 in the third quarter when quarterback Aidan Chiles scored on a 16-yard run on a fourth-and-4 play. On the Cornhuskers' following possession, Raiola was intercepted by Jordan Hall. Seven plays later, Chiles ran four yards for a touchdown to give the Spartans their first lead, 21-14. […]
Emmett Johnson powers Nebraska past Michigan State
Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images Emmett Johnson ran for 83 yards and three touchdowns and Carter Nelson returned a blocked punt for a score Saturday as host Nebraska rallied for a 38-27 victory over Michigan State. Dylan Raiola also completed 16 of 24 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown for the Cornhuskers (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten). The Spartans (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) tied it at 14 in the third quarter when quarterback Aidan Chiles scored on a 16-yard run on a fourth-and-4 play. On the Cornhuskers' following possession, Raiola was intercepted by Jordan Hall. Seven plays later, Chiles ran four yards for a touchdown to give the Spartans their first lead, 21-14. […]
College football winners, losers in Week 6: UCLA rises from the ashes, preseason No. 1 Texas full of flaws
Week 6 of the college football season was framed as a lackluster slate. Instead, the midday slate took a blowtorch to expectations. Projected College Football Playoff teams No. 7 Penn State and No. 9 Texas lost stunners against unranked opponents to shake up the picture. The Nittany Lions' loss against UCLA was one of the most surprising losses of the season as 24-point favorites against a winless squad. No. 14 Iowa State similarly dropped a big game against Cincinnati that could have long-ranging implications for both programs. In the evening slate, there are still big-time battles remaining. No. 3 Miami travels to No. 18 Florida State in a heavyweight showdown. Ohio State tries to hold off an upset bid by Minnesota, and Texas Tech's elite trenches get tested by Houston. Here are the biggest winners and losers of college football's Week 6 heading […]
Related
Brewers’ NLDS Game 1 Win Over Cubs Tempered by Jackson Chourio’s New Injury
Another clutch playoff performance by Jackson Chourio had a concerning conclusion for the outfielder and the Milwaukee Brewers.After becoming the first player to collect three hits in the first two innings of a postseason game, Chourio left Saturday’s 9-3 NL Division Series victory over the Chicago Cubs with tightness in his right hamstring.Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after Game 1 that Chourio had undergone an MRI. Chourio missed a month during the regular season with an injury to the same hamstring."They haven’t said anything," Chourio said through an interpreter. "We’re still waiting. But physically I feel good, and I feel in a position where I’m ready to keep going and keep competing."Murphy didn’t sound as optimistic."Obviously it’s real scary," he said. "Having that same hamstring injury to the same leg, we’re hoping that it’s something he can come back from […]
Can Billy Napier save his job again? Upset win over Texas a good start as Florida offense shows signs of life
Florida coach Billy Napier operates best with his back against the wall. For a second straight year, his Gators looked dead in the water before the midway point of the season. And, for a second straight year, Napier might be on the path back to redemption after Florida notched its second win of the season in a stunning 29-21 upset of No. 9 Texas. At the very least, his seat has cooled for another week. It's a movie that Florida fans have seen before. Fresh off a losing season in 2023, Florida started 4-4 in 2024, including a 13-point loss to unranked Texas A&M, a 24-point loss to Miami and a 14-point loss to Georgia. But just days after that loss to Georgia, Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin reaffirmed his faith in his embattled football coach. A rejuvenated Napier led Florida to a […]
Texas fails to live up to lofty hype: Offensive shortcomings plague Longhorns team ranked preseason No. 1
The 2025 college football season has already handed us plenty of curveballs and surprise teams, but as we take stock of the landscape with many teams approaching the midpoint of their year, it's hard to argue there's a more disappointing team in America than the Texas Longhorns. Other teams have fallen short of preseason expectations, and certainly many of those are playing much worse than the Longhorns, who fell to 3-2 with Saturday's 29-21 loss to unranked Florida in Gainesville. Texas' defense has been a shining star for much of the year, starting with a strong showing against No. 1 Ohio State in a 14-7 loss in Week 1 and continuing with absolute defensive gems through the rest of the nonconference slate. But as SEC play kicked off and the competition ramped up, Texas did not meet the moment. Ultimately, that should […]
Emmett Johnson powers Nebraska past Michigan State
Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images Emmett Johnson ran for 83 yards and three touchdowns and Carter Nelson returned a blocked punt for a score Saturday as host Nebraska rallied for a 38-27 victory over Michigan State. Dylan Raiola also completed 16 of 24 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown for the Cornhuskers (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten). The Spartans (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) tied it at 14 in the third quarter when quarterback Aidan Chiles scored on a 16-yard run on a fourth-and-4 play. On the Cornhuskers' following possession, Raiola was intercepted by Jordan Hall. Seven plays later, Chiles ran four yards for a touchdown to give the Spartans their first lead, 21-14. […]
Emmett Johnson powers Nebraska past Michigan State
Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images Emmett Johnson ran for 83 yards and three touchdowns and Carter Nelson returned a blocked punt for a score Saturday as host Nebraska rallied for a 38-27 victory over Michigan State. Dylan Raiola also completed 16 of 24 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown for the Cornhuskers (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten). The Spartans (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) tied it at 14 in the third quarter when quarterback Aidan Chiles scored on a 16-yard run on a fourth-and-4 play. On the Cornhuskers' following possession, Raiola was intercepted by Jordan Hall. Seven plays later, Chiles ran four yards for a touchdown to give the Spartans their first lead, 21-14. […]
College football winners, losers in Week 6: UCLA rises from the ashes, preseason No. 1 Texas full of flaws
Week 6 of the college football season was framed as a lackluster slate. Instead, the midday slate took a blowtorch to expectations. Projected College Football Playoff teams No. 7 Penn State and No. 9 Texas lost stunners against unranked opponents to shake up the picture. The Nittany Lions' loss against UCLA was one of the most surprising losses of the season as 24-point favorites against a winless squad. No. 14 Iowa State similarly dropped a big game against Cincinnati that could have long-ranging implications for both programs. In the evening slate, there are still big-time battles remaining. No. 3 Miami travels to No. 18 Florida State in a heavyweight showdown. Ohio State tries to hold off an upset bid by Minnesota, and Texas Tech's elite trenches get tested by Houston. Here are the biggest winners and losers of college football's Week 6 heading […]
Be the first to leave a comment