Full Breakdown
Knicks Weigh Ben Simmons as a Third Center Amid Roster Revamp
8/30/2026, 11:17:30 AM
Knicks’ Center Dilemma and the Simmons Option
The New York Knicks are actively scouting a third front-court player after guard Nick Richards signed with the Miami Heat. Ben Simmons, a 30-year-old former Los Angeles Clippers guard who sat out the 2025-26 season, emerges as a high-risk, high-reward candidate for a bench-role big who can facilitate and defend.
Small-Lineup Success and Defensive Potential
Wildstein notes that the Knicks posted a 122.2 offensive rating, 106 defensive rating and a +16.2 net rating in the 2025-26 regular season while frequently operating without a traditional center, often deploying OG Anunoby or Jeremy Sochan at the position. Those figures suggest the roster can surround a non-shooting big with four perimeter shooters.
Data from Basketball Reference show that when Simmons played 39 minutes in a five-man Clippers lineup with James Harden, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum, the team recorded a 141.5 offensive rating, 116.7 defensive rating and a +24.8 net rating with a 66.9 % true-shooting percentage. In a similar lineup that included Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers posted a 147 offensive rating, 104.3 defensive rating, +42.6 net rating and a 77.3 % true-shooting percentage. For his career, Simmons is credited with a 107 defensive rating, and no season has seen a team allow more than 112 points per 100 possessions while he was on the floor, aside from a brief 33-game stretch with the Nets in 2024-25.
Availability and Fit Concerns
Simmons’ health history raises red flags. He missed the entire 2021-22 season after refusing to play for the Philadelphia 76ers and subsequently sat out the remainder of that year with a back injury. Chronic knee and back issues persisted across three campaigns with Brooklyn and Los Angeles, and he did not appear in any professional game during the 2025-26 season. Wildstein warns that the Knicks would need Simmons to be reliably available for back-to-back rest days or to replace an injured Andre Drummond, a certainty that his recent track record cannot guarantee. Moreover, after a year away from competition, his on-court rust and willingness to accept a bench role remain uncertain, especially given his prior demand for a larger contract.
Potential Impact on Knicks’ Roster Strategy
If the Knicks sign Simmons at a veteran-minimum deal, they would acquire a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions and a playmaking big to complement their small-lineup philosophy. The upside includes a Draymond Green-type defensive anchor off the bench. Conversely, the financial risk and possible inconsistency could offset the marginal boost, potentially limiting the team’s flexibility to address other roster needs.
Outlook for the Roster Decision
The Knicks continue to evaluate their center depth as the offseason progresses. While Simmons presents an intriguing blend of size and defensive IQ, the organization must balance his potential contributions against the durability concerns highlighted by Wildstein and the statistical evidence from his limited Clippers stint. The final roster move will hinge on whether the Knicks prioritize upside in a bench role or opt for a more proven, consistently available option.
