Boston Celtics eye Ben Simmons for defensive resurgence
The Boston Celtics faced a significant shake-up this offseason, marked by the departure of key players due to the NBA’s new tax apron rules and the penalties that followed. After clinching the 2024 NBA championship, the franchise made the tough decision to trade Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and Kristaps Porziņģis to the Atlanta Hawks. They also watched as Al Horford and Luke Kornet moved on as free agents. With these exits, the Celtics have lost the core of a once-dominant defense.
Navigating a potential gap year
As the team braces for what may be termed a ‘gap year,’ the outlook appears challenging. However, one NBA analyst has proposed an intriguing strategy for the Celtics: acquiring Ben Simmons. The former Philadelphia 76ers star, a three-time All-Star and 2018 Rookie of the Year, could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s defensive capabilities.
Scott Polacek from Bleacher Report highlighted the potential impact of Simmons, particularly in light of Jayson Tatum’s current Achilles injury and the absence of former stalwarts like Holiday, Horford, and Porziņģis. He noted that the Celtics’ roster depth is a pressing concern, especially with a thin backcourt that now relies heavily on Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Anfernee Simons.
Simmons as a versatile asset
Integrating Simmons into the mix could offer head coach Joe Mazzulla valuable flexibility. Simmons possesses the ability to function as both a ball-handling guard and a forward in small-ball configurations. This versatility would allow Mazzulla to experiment with various lineups, enhancing the team’s adaptability throughout the season.
Beyond his offensive capabilities, Simmons could alleviate some of the defensive burdens currently placed on Jaylen Brown. With Simmons’ proven ability to guard multiple positions, Brown could focus more intently on his offensive contributions, solidifying his role as the primary scoring option.
A calculated risk for the Celtics
While Simmons has faced his share of challenges—both on the court and off—his potential to revitalize the Celtics’ defense is worth considering. The current situation positions Boston to take calculated risks on players like Simmons, particularly if the organization assesses that they may not be optimally equipped to contend for another title in the immediate future.
In a landscape where the Celtics must navigate loss and uncertainty, the prospect of adding a player like Simmons could inject fresh hope into the franchise’s defensive identity. As they look to redefine their approach this season, the Celtics may find that Simmons represents a unique opportunity to reclaim some of their former defensive prowess.