If someone had predicted that the Boston Celtics would seriously consider adding Ben Simmons to their roster for the upcoming season, most fans and analysts would have scoffed. Simmons, a player whose career has been marred by injury, criticism, and a historic decline in offensive confidence, does not strike many as the prototypical “Celtic.” But in the strange landscape of the modern NBA—where contracts balloon, stars rotate between teams like clockwork, and flexibility is king—the idea actually makes perfect sense. In fact, it might be one of the smartest low-risk moves the Celtics could make.
Start with the context: Boston has recently undergone significant changes. They are still anchored by their superstar wings in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but the supporting cast is in flux. With the departures of seasoned veterans and the cap-crippling contracts now burdening the front office, the Celtics have limited wiggle room to add meaningful depth. They’re operating over the luxury tax threshold and close to the second apron, which restricts their ability to sign players for anything above the veteran minimum. That’s why the idea of Ben Simmons on a minimum or slightly-above-minimum deal is so intriguing. It’s a perfect storm of opportunity: a once-All-Star caliber player, still under 30, available for pennies on the dollar.
For Simmons, this is more than a second chance—it’s a lifeline. He was once viewed as the future of the NBA: a 6’10” point guard with vision, defensive chops, and elite athleticism. A player who could guard all five positions, control the tempo of the game, and distribute the ball like a quarterback. The issue, of course, has always been his offensive limitations. Simmons has attempted only a handful of three-pointers in his entire career, and his reluctance to shoot became not just a weakness but a storyline. Then came the back injuries, the mental health discussions, and his unceremonious fall from franchise centerpiece to forgotten bench piece.
Despite all that, Simmons still possesses rare tools. At his best, he’s one of the most versatile defenders in the league. He can guard positions one through five, handle switches, and protect the rim better than most guards or wings. His court vision is still elite, and in the right system—one where he isn’t forced to be the primary scorer—he can thrive as a connective piece who rebounds, passes, sets screens, and disrupts opposing offenses. And this is exactly the kind of player the Celtics currently need.
Boston’s frontcourt depth is thin and somewhat unproven. While players like Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, and others bring hustle and size, none offer the same defensive versatility or experience that Simmons does. On a minimum deal, Simmons would not be asked to carry the team. Instead, he’d be asked to defend, rebound, and make smart plays in transition. That’s a manageable workload, and it plays into his strengths. In essence, Boston isn’t looking for Simmons to be a savior—they’re looking for him to be a role player who can help them survive the grind of the regular season and give them a puncher’s chance when the postseason arrives.
What makes this scenario so intriguing is the low-risk, high-reward element. Simmons has fallen far enough that expectations are at rock bottom. If he signs with Boston and doesn’t pan out, no harm done. The Celtics are already over the cap, they’ve already made their long-term financial commitments, and this season isn’t a “championship or bust” campaign. It’s more of a holding pattern—a bridge season where they assess what they have, develop younger talent, and maintain flexibility going forward. If Simmons does manage to recapture some form, Boston will have gotten a steal. If he doesn’t, they move on with no real consequence.
The locker room fit also matters. Boston has a strong culture and established leadership in Tatum, Brown, and head coach Joe Mazzulla. Simmons would not be walking into a chaotic or undefined situation. He’d be entering a well-run organization with clear expectations, structure, and a defensive identity. That stability could be exactly what he needs to reset his career. Sometimes, fit matters more than raw opportunity. Simmons doesn’t need volume or touches—he needs clarity, trust, and a narrowly defined role.
From a tactical standpoint, Simmons could be a tremendous asset. His size allows Boston to go super switchable on defense, and his ability to handle the ball in transition could ease some pressure off the main scorers. Imagine a second unit where Simmons is operating as a point-forward, surrounded by shooters and athletic wings. He sets high screens, rolls to the rim, or hits cutters on the move. That’s the kind of action that makes a second unit dangerous and dynamic. Even in the halfcourt, Simmons can be useful as a short-roll passer or secondary initiator. His vision and passing instincts are still elite.
It’s also worth noting that the Celtics aren’t exactly flush with playmaking depth. Outside of Tatum and Derrick White, they lack true facilitators. Simmons—assuming he’s healthy and engaged—could slot in as a connective piece who helps balance out those deficiencies. He doesn’t need to score 20 points a night. If he gives them 8 points, 6 assists, and elite defense off the bench, that’s a huge win. And if he’s more than that? Even better.
Let’s also consider the narrative appeal. Simmons has become something of a punchline in NBA circles. A once-celebrated star turned into a cautionary tale. What better way to reclaim some dignity than by thriving in Boston—one of the most storied franchises in the league and a former rival of his original team, the Sixers? The irony would be rich, and the motivation would be built in. Simmons doesn’t need to be loved, but he does need a fanbase and a front office that believes he can contribute. Boston offers both—especially when the expectations are low and the upside is massive.
Injury risk will always be a concern. Simmons has dealt with serious back problems, including surgery, nerve damage, and recurring tightness that has limited his availability. That’s a legitimate worry. But again, on a minimum deal, there’s virtually no risk. If he can’t play, he won’t take up cap space or long-term flexibility. If he can, you’ve added a former All-Star and All-Defensive player to your roster for the same price as a fringe G-League call-up. That’s the kind of bet good front offices make.
It also sends the right message. Boston isn’t punting on the season, but they’re not delusional either. They know that unless something breaks in their favor, they’re not the favorites to win the title. Adding Simmons shows that they’re still looking for value, still trying to build around the margins, and still willing to take calculated risks to improve the roster. That’s exactly what smart franchises do when locked into big contracts and operating over the cap.
There’s also a potential upside beyond this season. If Simmons plays well, Boston could have his Bird Rights and potentially retain him in a more meaningful role, or even include him in future trades as salary filler or depth. He could become a trade asset again, or a functional rotation piece for years to come. At the very least, he helps soak up minutes and takes pressure off Tatum and Brown during the regular season.
Of course, the fit isn’t perfect. Simmons is a non-shooter, and Boston thrives on spacing. He can’t play alongside too many other non-shooters, and he likely can’t close games unless he’s being used in a highly specialized defensive role. But those are endgame concerns. You’re not signing Simmons to be in your final five; you’re signing him to help get you there in one piece. That’s the difference between expectation and reality. And it’s a gap that Simmons, in his current form, is ideally suited to fill.
So here’s the bottom line: Ben Simmons to the Celtics makes all the sense in the world, not because he’s a perfect player, but because he’s a perfectly logical gamble. He’s cheap, available, and uniquely skilled. He plugs multiple holes on the roster, fits the team’s financial limitations, and brings defensive and playmaking tools that are in short supply. He has nothing to lose and everything to prove. The Celtics, meanwhile, have everything to gain and nothing to risk.
In a league where marginal moves often determine postseason fate, this one could be a quiet masterstroke. Simmons may never become the superstar he once appeared destined to be. But in Boston, he doesn’t have to be. He just needs to defend, pass, stay healthy, and stay out of the headlines. If he can do that, this low-key signing might end up being one of the most impactful of the season.
