Ben Simmons Expected to Become a Boston Celtic, per @Fullcourtpass_
The Boston Celtics, fresh off another deep playoff run and a championship-caliber roster, are reportedly on the verge of making one of the most intriguing signings of the NBA offseason.
According to @Fullcourtpass_, three-time All-Star Ben Simmons is expected to join the Celtics, marking a potential turning point in both his career and the team’s quest to maintain dominance in the Eastern Conference.
This news, though still developing, has already sent ripples throughout the league.
Simmons, a former No. 1 overall pick, has been one of the most polarizing figures in recent NBA history — admired for his defensive brilliance and playmaking, yet questioned for his shooting struggles and inconsistent availability.
Now, with the Celtics rumored to be his next destination, both player and franchise find themselves at a crossroads that could reshape the NBA landscape.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Simmons entered the league in 2016 as the first overall selection by the Philadelphia 76ers.
From the outset, he displayed a unique skill set — a 6-foot-10 forward with the court vision of a point guard and the versatility to defend nearly every position.
His rookie year set the tone:
Simmons averaged 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, earning him Rookie of the Year honors.
At his best, Simmons has been a dominant two-way presence.
He was named to three consecutive All-Star teams (2019–2021) and twice made the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
His ability to guard elite scorers while also pushing the pace in transition made him one of the most valuable young stars in the league.
However, his shortcomings — particularly his unwillingness to shoot from distance and his struggles at the free-throw line — became glaring in high-stakes playoff moments.
The 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks remain a defining low point, with Simmons’ lack of aggression drawing sharp criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Following that series, his relationship with Philadelphia deteriorated, leading to a long holdout and an eventual trade to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022.
Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent play continued to hamper his career in Brooklyn.
Over the past three seasons, Simmons has played sporadically, often sidelined with back and knee issues.
The flashes of brilliance remained, but the durability and consistency were missing.
Why the Celtics?
The Boston Celtics are not in desperate need of reinforcements.
Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, they boast arguably the most talented wing duo in the league.
Their depth, defensive identity, and ability to switch across multiple positions made them champions in 2024 and perennial contenders in recent seasons.
So why pursue Simmons?
The answer may lie in versatility and upside.
Simmons, when healthy, is a Swiss Army knife — capable of orchestrating the offense, defending stars from Giannis Antetokounmpo to Steph Curry, and adding a new dimension to Boston’s already stifling defense.
Coach Joe Mazzulla has emphasized positionless basketball, and Simmons fits perfectly into a system that thrives on switching, ball movement, and defensive flexibility.
Additionally, the Celtics’ roster is structured in a way that could minimize Simmons’ weaknesses. Surrounded by shooters like Tatum, Brown, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porziņģis, Simmons wouldn’t face the same pressure to space the floor.
Instead, he could focus on distributing, cutting, defending, and running in transition.
From Simmons’ perspective, Boston represents stability and a winning culture.
Playing alongside proven stars and within an organization known for maximizing talent could be the perfect environment for him to rebuild his confidence and reputation.
Risks and Rewards
While the move carries obvious intrigue, it also comes with risks. Simmons’ injury history is well-documented, and there’s no guarantee he can recapture his All-Star form.
The Celtics, already with a loaded payroll, must be careful not to jeopardize their chemistry or financial flexibility with a signing that doesn’t pan out.
However, if Simmons can stay healthy and accept a defined role, the rewards could be massive.
At his peak, he was one of the best defenders and passers in the NBA.
Even as a secondary or tertiary option, he could elevate Boston’s ceiling.
Think of a lineup featuring Simmons, Tatum, Brown, White, and Porziņģis — a combination of length, switchability, and scoring power that few teams in the league could match.
Reactions Around the League
Fans and analysts have met the news with a mix of excitement and skepticism.
Supporters see Simmons as a potential low-risk, high-reward signing: if he thrives, Boston adds another elite weapon; if not, they remain contenders regardless.
Critics, however, argue that Simmons has yet to prove he can stay healthy and mentally locked in for a full season.
Still, given the Celtics’ recent track record of player development and their organizational stability, this might be the best possible landing spot for Simmons at this stage of his career.
The Road Ahead
Nothing is official yet, but the expectation that Ben Simmons will don Celtic green is already one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.
For Boston, it’s a chance to stay ahead of the competition in an increasingly tough Eastern Conference.
For Simmons, it’s an opportunity at redemption, a chance to shed the doubts and criticism that have shadowed him for years.
If this deal comes to fruition, all eyes will be on Boston when training camp opens.
The Celtics are betting that Simmons’ unique skill set can complement their stars and push them further into dynasty territory.
Simmons, meanwhile, is betting on himself — that he can prove the doubters wrong and carve out a meaningful role on a championship team.
One thing is certain: if Ben Simmons truly becomes a Boston Celtic, the NBA landscape will look just a little bit different next season.
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