Why Knicks insider scoffs at Ben Simmons idea

After sitting out a year, Ben Simmons is inching back into the NBA. He is shopping his name around to anyone willing to take him back. However, one insider believes that the New York Knicks aren’t the team for him: James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

“I do think Simmons should get another opportunity in the NBA, but not with the Knicks,” Edwards wrote.

Throughout his career, Simmons has been criticized for not shooting jump shots consistently. The same holds at the free-throw line. That alone isn’t conducive for Edwards as it relates to the Knicks.

“Unless Simmons has learned to shoot while away from the game, I’m not a fan of any player who is most impactful offensively with the ball in their hands but is unable to or unwilling to shoot from distance,” Edwards wrote. “Teams will sag off of him and muck up New York’s offense. That’s not what a title-defending team needs.”

Given that the Knicks are coming off winning the NBA title, they will be caught in the glare of the spotlight more than ever. Simmons’ vulnerabilities would not bode well in that environment, per Edwards.

“Furthermore, adding Simmons would be an unnecessary distraction, and this organization already is under a microscope at all times,” Edwards said. “Because Simmons was a No. 1 pick and has had a weird career, he’ll be the topic of conversation far more than someone at the end of the bench should be. Again, not worth it, especially in New York.”