TITLE: Scout Says NBA Teams Showing Little Interest in Ben Simmons Ahead of Training Camps
SLUG: scout-says-little-interest-ben-simmons-training-camps
CONTENT:
An NBA talent evaluator believes the market for free-agent guard Ben Simmons is virtually non-existent as training camps approach.
“I don’t think there’s any real interest in him beyond teams putting out some feelers,” the scout told Hoops Wire. The evaluator suggested that if retirement talk persists, it may allow the 29-year-old and his representatives to present any exit from the league as a personal choice rather than a lack of offers. “Teams are probably going to make that decision for him,” the scout added.
Simmons, still unsigned with camps only weeks away, has been loosely linked to the New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors and a handful of other clubs. Even so, the scout said front offices may prefer to use open roster spots on younger players.
“If Ben were willing to accept a non-guaranteed camp deal, he might get signed,” the scout noted. “If I were a GM, I’d want to see whether I could find a younger diamond in the rough instead.”
One team executive texted Hoops Wire last week that his franchise had zero interest in Simmons, writing, “No. Ship has sailed.”
Limited role possible
The scout acknowledged that Simmons could still contribute defensively, handle the ball and provide reserve minutes for a contender, but only under specific circumstances. “It would have to be the right situation, and he’d need to understand he might not play more than 10 minutes some nights,” the scout said. “Maybe he’d accept that, but I doubt it.”
Recent performance
Last season, Simmons split time between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers, appearing in 51 games—his highest total since his 2020-21 All-Star campaign. He averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists.
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Simmons remains uncertain about continuing his career. Even if he chooses to play, league executives will ultimately decide whether he has a place on a roster.
Source: Hoops Wire
