Ben Simmons was once seen as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, despite his well-known shooting struggles. Before the disappointing 2021-22 playoffs, he was a dominant force in the paint and on defense. His talent was undeniable—he made the All-Star team in 2018-19, and by the 2020-21 season, he earned All-NBA and All-Defensive honors. But after the 2021 season, something changed. It was as if he lost his confidence, especially on the offensive end. The player who once averaged over 15 points per game in Philadelphia dropped to just 6 points with the Nets last season.

While Ben Simmons’ offensive game has taken a hit, his defensive presence remains dominant. With over 7 rebounds per game and more than 5 assists, his playmaking is still there, but he’s a shadow of the player he once was. In the ‘Gil’s Arena’ podcast, Gilbert Arenas discussed how Simmons could still be a defensive powerhouse for the right team next season. Arenas believes that a move to the Phoenix Suns could be the fresh start Simmons needs, stating that he could “automatically change the roster” with his defensive prowess. “Phoenix Suns, right? You thinking about teams that he can just f—–g automatically change the roster. You can go Beal in the point guard ’cause he covers the point guard position and he covers the defensive power forward center spot,” Arenas said, pointing out Simmons’ versatility.

Right now, Bradley Beal is shouldering the burden of both playmaking and defense for the Phoenix Suns, but the addition of Ben Simmons could change everything. With Simmons on board, Beal could shift his focus to creating plays, while Simmons takes on the toughest defensive matchups. As an All-NBA defensive player, Simmons would bring an immediate, game-changing impact to the Suns. Gilbert Arenas pointed out the potential in his ‘Gil’s Arena’ podcast, saying,“They can move a piece…pieces, get some young sh-t in there and now you just inhertited…one , a defensive player and someone who’s willing to pass the ball. Now you talking bouta KD Ben Simmons pick and roll.” 

Simmons’ unselfish style of play and elite defense could be exactly what the Suns need. Despite having a big three of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, they were still swept by the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs—defense being a key weakness. Adding Simmons could address that problem and completely reshape the Suns’ roster. With the Brooklyn Nets currently figuring out their point guard situation, this could be the perfect time for the Suns to make a move for Simmons.

“I want to create healthy competition“: Nets’ head coach on the starting point guard battle between Dennis Schroder and Ben Simmons

The Brooklyn Nets had a rough season last year, finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 32-50 record after losing their Big 3. Despite some roster changes and the late addition of Dennis Schroder in February, there wasn’t enough time for him to fully make his mark. Still, Schroder impressed, averaging over 14 points and 6 assists in 29 games. Now, as the new season approaches, the Nets face a critical decision: who will take on the starting point guard role? It’s not an easy call with both Ben Simmons and Schroder in the mix.

Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez acknowledged the challenge during media day, saying, “I want to be put in a tough spot. These are two really good players. They both want to start, and that’s what I want. I want to create healthy competition within the group, and then from there, make me decide… If they don’t meet expectations, they won’t be the starting point guard.”

Though the competition between Ben Simmons and Dennis Schroder for the starting point guard role is fierce, it’s clear that there’s mutual respect between the two. During media day, Schroder didn’t hold back in praising his teammate, expressing confidence in Simmons’ ability to bounce back. “All the noise and social media, what everybody was saying about him[Simmons], I’m really looking forward for him to shut everybody up because he’s really ready and he looks good and he’s going to help us,” Schröder said.