The New York Knicks will likely be aiming to get the most out of their bench unit in the post-Tom Thibodeau era.
Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and a top-heavy rotation helped lead the team to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, and their eventual playoff elimination at the hands of the Indiana Pacers could be attributed to Thibodeau’s reluctance to get his reserves involved.
After hiring Mike Brown to become the storied franchise’s next lead strategist on Wednesday, sweeping changes could be on the horizon with regard to the Knicks’ rotations and minute distribution. As a result, their front office has begun to add plenty of depth.
The Knicks have already made two savvy additions, picking up the Utah Jazz’s 2021 Sixth Man of the Year winner Jordan Clarkson and the Philadelphia 76ers’ Guerschon Yabusele in free agency. Even still, recent reports have indicated that their eyes could be set on acquiring the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and 3-time All-Star forward, Ben Simmons.
“The Knicks have also checked in on free agent Ben Simmons, per sources familiar with the matter,” SNY’s Ian Begley wrote Wednesday morning.
“But people briefed on the matter say a decision on that roster spot isn’t expected until after the head coach is hired.”
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“Simmons has met with three other teams and is expected to make a decision soon, per people familiar with the matter.”
With Brown now set to debut as head coach of the Knicks next season, it could be a matter of time before the team lands a former star for a premium price.
Of course, the 28-year-old has fallen off a cliff since his glory days as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers from 2017-2021, but he could plausibly serve as an impactful rotation player in spot minutes.
The 2018 Rookie of the Year and second-place finisher in 2021 Defensive Player of the Year voting has averaged 6.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists over his past three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, but it’s his defensive output that makes him an attractive option to a contender like New York.
Simmons joined the Clippers after agreeing to a contract buyout with Brooklyn back in February.
He would then make the most of his limited playing time in Los Angeles, as he boasted an outstanding 109 defensive rating per 100 possessions and 2.7 defensive box plus-minus in 18 appearances with the team to close the regular season.
Sure, Simmons is nowhere near the offensive player he used to be, but the 2-time All-Defensive Team selection might be a suitable option to pair with Brunson and Towns in certain packages next year.
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