The Boston Celtics, fresh off their championship glory last summer, are navigating treacherous waters. With their roster shaken by key departures and a major injury, the team faces a pivotal offseason. Amid swirling rumors, one name has sparked heated debate: Ben Simmons, the former Sixers All-Star and No. 1 overall pick, now a free agent. While the New York Knicks and Celtics have reportedly shown interest, a Boston-based columnist has issued a stark warning—steer clear of Simmons, or risk disaster.
The Celtics are in a precarious spot. Jayson Tatum, their cornerstone, is sidelined by a significant setback, leaving a gaping hole in the lineup. The team has also parted ways with vital pieces from their title run—Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford are all gone. As Boston scrambles to rebuild, the idea of signing Simmons has surfaced, but not without controversy.
Matt Vautour, writing for Mass Live, didn’t mince words: “Don’t sign Ben Simmons. Not for a mid-level exception. Not for the league minimum.” He argues the Celtics should not only avoid Simmons but hope a rival like the Knicks takes the gamble instead. Why? Because, as Vautour puts it, “It will end badly. It always ends badly with Simmons.”
Once heralded as the next LeBron James, Simmons dazzled during his four-year stint with the Philadelphia 76ers. A triple-double machine, he averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, earning three All-Star nods and establishing himself as a defensive juggernaut. At 6-foot-10, Simmons brought rare versatility—elite court vision, tenacious rebounding, and seamless switching on defense.
But the shine has faded. Since leaving Philly, Simmons has been plagued by persistent back issues and inconsistency. His time with the Brooklyn Nets last season saw him play just 33 games, averaging a modest six points, seven assists, and five rebounds in 25 minutes per game. A subsequent 18-game stint with the Los Angeles Clippers was even less inspiring, with Simmons coming off the bench for 16 minutes a night, posting three points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Vautour’s warning isn’t just about Simmons’ diminished stat line. The columnist points to deeper concerns: Simmons’ inability to stay healthy and questions about his willingness to adapt. For a Celtics team already grappling with roster upheaval, adding a player who could “aggravate his coach, frustrate his teammates, and enrage the fans” feels like a recipe for chaos.
Despite Simmons’ undeniable talents—a versatile defender with playmaking flair—his recent track record raises red flags. Can he stay on the court? Will he adjust his game to fit a new system? Boston’s fanbase and analysts aren’t optimistic. Vautour suggests letting Simmons take his baggage elsewhere, perhaps to a rival where his struggles won’t derail the Celtics’ delicate rebuild.
At this stage, Simmons isn’t chasing lucrative contracts. The days of blockbuster deals are behind him, with some even questioning whether he’s worth a minimum contract. Yet, his potential remains tantalizing. A healthy Simmons could rediscover his All-Star form, but the risks are steep, especially for a Boston team in flux.
As the Celtics weigh their options, the warning is clear: proceed with caution. Simmons may still have a chapter to write in his NBA story, but Boston might not be the place to pen it. For now, the Celtics’ focus should be on stability, not a high-stakes gamble on a fallen star.