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New York Knicks Reportedly Have Touched Base with Ben Simmons, Presumably to Fill the “Stand in Dunker Spot” Role
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SNY’s Ian Begley connected the Knicks and Ben Simmons in a mailbag story published late last week:
…the Knicks have enough money for one veteran minimum contract and one rookie contract before they reach the second apron. They have been in touch with players who can fill a backup guard role in free agency. So if they add a backup guard with that final roster spot, it would potentially clog a pathway for (Tyler) Kolek.
Who might the Knicks sign with that veteran’s minimum deal? They have continued to touch base with Ben Simmons during the free agency period. I’m sure they have touched base with other vets as well. Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook are among the lead guards still on the market. Teams are wondering if Washington will agree to a buyout with veteran guard Marcus Smart. For what it’s worth, the Knicks don’t seem to be exclusively focused on ball-handling guards with that last spot. New York still sees Landry Shamet as a possibility and Shamet remains open to returning to New York.
Tell you what, Jalen Brunson and Ben Simmons could work. Brunson can dribble around, go over staggered screens, and try to draw fouls while Ben stands in the dunker spot. Perfect role for both guys. Then Ben just has to play some defense on the other end, grab a board or two, and throw some nifty assists in transition while laughing all the way to the bank.
What could go wrong? Surely the forgiving New York media will welcome a basketball player who doesn’t shoot the basketball. Their wonderful fans will show all sorts of patience with Ben’s game. It’s a perfect fit! The Knicks are here baby!
Kevin has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University. email - k.kinkead@sportradar.com