Here’s why the New York Knicks should target Ben Simmons

The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in trading for Ben Simmons, and I’m all for it.  Though a ton of you fans will disagree because right now it’s “cool” to hate Ben Simmons, it may be a wise decision to pursue the star playmaker.

New York Knicks: Why Ben Simmons would help

It’s not every day that a 25-year-old two-time all-star with elite defensive ability becomes available for trade.  Simmons cannot shoot the ball, but he is still a monstrous finisher around the rim, with some of the best passing ability in the NBA.

The biggest issue here for New York is not Simmons’ inability to shoot; however, it is his cost.  Ben’s trade cost was highlighted as a reason to avoid him in a recent DK article saying that Ben Simmons was not the answer.

It was reported that the 76ers asked the Portland Trail Blazers for CJ McCollum, three first-round picks, and three first-round pick swaps. Yeah, as much as I want Simmons, that is a little much.

I do not think Simmons gets traded for this much.  6ers GM Daryl Morrey will have to give in and if the Knicks can offer a package for Simmons that will not completely gut their draft capital, they should go for it.

Simmons is the ideal point guard for coach Tom Thibodeau. Thibs likes defensive point guards who are pass-first.  Simmons is pass-first and somehow pass-second also.

I’ve said in multiple articles that the Knicks are not a contender, and the Knicks, similar to Simmons, have a lot of room to grow.

Simmons is clearly in his own head with shooting, and a change of scenery could do him a huge favor, especially with a no-nonsense coach like Thibs could help Ben find his confidence.

Thibs recently called RJ Barrett out on his struggles, and Barrett bounced back, playing well the next two games, including hitting a career-high 7 threes the game directly after the call out.

If Simmons has help to get out of his own head, his potential is enormous. The New York Knicks are a defense-first team that desperately needs help on the perimeter. Simmons, Randle, and Barrett have the potential to be a monstrous big three for many years, especially if Ben finds any sort of jump shot.

Players like this don’t come along often.  It would be a horrible idea for the Knicks to overlook Ben Simmons. They should at the very least gauge his value as he could be a franchise-altering player.