The Ben Simmons comeback attempt is heading into its next phase, as the former Philadelphia 76ers All-Star is expected to participate in a minicamp with the Australia National team this week.
Simmons has his eyes set on an NBA comeback and made it very clear that a return to the Sixers is something he is interested in. However, the 76ers don’t have the space to add Simmons at the moment.
As the veteran guard looks to get on a roster before training camp late next month, there are a handful of teams that could be a much better landing spot than in Philly, where the Sixers are loaded with star power and lacking patience.
Which teams should give Simmons a look?
Considering his age (30 years old) and experience (seven years), Simmons could be in play for a spot on a win-now team. With the Sixers, Simmons had three years of playoff experience, and he appeared in five postseason games for the Los Angeles Clippers during his last time out in 2025.
The first team that might come to mind is the other squad that Simmons prefers: the Miami Heat. Simmons noted his fondness for Erik Spoelstra, which is understandable. However, the Heat need shooters. The entire NBA knows very well that’s a Simmons shortcoming.
Two other contenders of interest could be the Denver Nuggets and the Houston Rockets. Denver didn’t have an eventful offseason. After dropping out in round one in upset fashion, the Nuggets don’t look any better than they were before. Denver could use a backup ball handler, and if they wanted to try out the small-ball lineup with Simmons at the five years after Philly experimented with it, that could be an option.
As for the Rockets, they are planning to get Fred VanVleet back in the mix after his season-long injury recovery. The Amen Thompson-Reed Sheppard run had its ups and downs with ball handling. Marcus Smart is capable, but he’s certainly switchable. Maybe Kevin Durant vouches for his former Brooklyn teammate to join him in Houston, Texas.
One more wildcard contender to throw in: San Antonio Spurs. I recall San Antonio’s President of Basketball Operations (then head coach) Gregg Popovich being very complimentary of Simmons’ game back when the ex-Sixer was one of the most criticized in the NBA. This would be more of a situational defense addition, rather than a full-time backup point guard. Maybe the Spurs could bring him in for a training camp tryout.
Should Simmons take a different direction?
Maybe a non-contender makes sense? Simmons could go in a low-stakes situation to rehab his image. The Chicago Bulls will see a lot of changes throughout the year, being in a rebuilding situation. Before Josh Giddey ended up in the NBA, he looked up to Simmons. Perhaps, pairing them together could make sense.
Then, there’s the Sacramento Kings. They love to bring in notable names, whether it makes sense or not. The rumor is that the Kings are considering Russell Westbrook for a second season, but Simmons could be a logical pivot. It’s a low-risk addition, and who knows, if the Kings help Simmons drive his value up, maybe they cash out of their gamble with a deadline trade.
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