Ben Simmons, once regarded as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, is reportedly set to join the Boston Celtics in what many are calling one of the most intriguing low-risk, high-reward moves of the offseason. After years of career turbulence, injuries, and public scrutiny, Simmons’ decision to head to Boston marks a bold new chapter in his journey—a chance to reclaim his name and prove he still belongs in the conversation among elite NBA talents. For the Celtics, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance and looking to fortify an already stacked roster, this move could either be a masterstroke or a misfire, but few can deny the potential upside.
Simmons’ path to this moment has been anything but linear. Selected first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, he entered the league with enormous expectations, drawing comparisons to LeBron James for his size, court vision, and versatility. Early in his career, he made good on those expectations, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 and being named an All-Star three consecutive times from 2019 to 2021. Simmons was a defensive force, a transition maestro, and a matchup nightmare for opponents. But his shortcomings—particularly his refusal to develop a consistent jump shot and his struggles at the free-throw line—eventually overshadowed his strengths.
The breaking point came in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks. Simmons’ reluctance to attempt an open dunk late in Game 7 led to an avalanche of criticism, both from media and fans. What followed was a highly publicized standoff between Simmons and the 76ers, culminating in a trade to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022. But instead of a revival, Simmons’ stint with the Nets was marred by lingering back issues, a lack of offensive assertiveness, and questions about his passion for the game. At times, it seemed his career was slipping away into irrelevance.
Now, Simmons appears determined to write a comeback story, and there may be no better place to do that than in Boston. The Celtics, under the guidance of Brad Stevens in the front office and Joe Mazzulla on the sideline, have built a culture around accountability, team-first basketball, and elite two-way play. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown at the helm, Boston has established itself as a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference. The addition of Kristaps Porziņģis last year brought even more offensive firepower and floor spacing to the team. In many ways, Simmons could be the missing piece that allows the Celtics to unlock an even more dangerous form.
Unlike in Brooklyn or Philadelphia, Simmons won’t be expected to be the primary scoring option in Boston. That responsibility rests firmly with Tatum and Brown. Instead, Simmons could thrive in a role that emphasizes his defensive versatility, passing acumen, and ability to push the pace in transition. In a lineup that already boasts elite defenders like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, Simmons could give the Celtics a switch-heavy, positionless defensive identity that’s nearly impossible to score against. He can guard all five positions, rebound, and initiate fast breaks—all without the pressure of carrying an offense or being a go-to closer.
There’s also the mental aspect to consider. The Celtics are known for their player development system and supportive culture, one that helped players like Al Horford extend their careers and helped others, like Derrick White, flourish in ways they hadn’t elsewhere. Simmons, who has publicly discussed his struggles with mental health, might benefit from the fresh start and the opportunity to contribute in a stable, winning environment without being under the constant microscope he experienced in Philadelphia.
Of course, this move isn’t without risk. Simmons has played in just 57 games over the past two seasons, and there are lingering concerns about his physical durability. His offensive game, especially his shooting, remains a liability. It’s unclear whether he has regained the confidence and aggression that once made him an All-NBA talent. But for the Celtics, who are reportedly bringing him in on a team-friendly deal—likely a veteran minimum or a low-guarantee contract—the risk is minimal. If Simmons doesn’t work out, they can move on without significant financial repercussions. If he does? Boston may have just landed one of the steals of the summer.
This move also has broader implications for the Eastern Conference. The Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and even the new-look Orlando Magic have all made offseason moves aimed at dethroning the Celtics. Boston’s addition of Simmons, while not the blockbuster acquisition some fans might have expected, could be the most impactful in terms of overall team balance. He brings a unique skill set that complements what the Celtics already do well. His ability to grab a rebound and push the ball up the floor, find shooters, and then switch onto an opposing star on the other end is the kind of versatility that can swing playoff series.
There’s also the intangible motivation factor. Simmons, at just 28 years old, has heard every critique, every doubt, and every insult hurled his way over the past three seasons. This isn’t just another contract; it’s a lifeline. It’s a challenge to himself to silence the noise, prove the doubters wrong, and finally live up to the immense promise that once made him the centerpiece of “The Process” in Philadelphia. If there’s any fire left in Simmons—and by all reports, he’s been working hard to get his body and mind right—then Boston might be the ideal incubator for that resurgence.
The reaction from the Celtics’ locker room has reportedly been one of cautious optimism. While some fans remain skeptical, others see this as a brilliant strategic gamble. Tatum and Brown, known for embracing tough-minded teammates, have apparently given the green light. Mazzulla has a history of finding roles that maximize player strengths, and Simmons could be used in creative lineups as a small-ball center, a point forward, or even in tandem with Holiday to form a smothering defensive backcourt. The flexibility he offers could give Boston a variety of lineup options in high-leverage playoff moments.
Simmons’ arrival also allows the Celtics to manage the minutes and workload of other key players. He can spell Tatum and Brown without a massive drop-off in ball-handling or playmaking. If healthy, he gives Boston something they lacked in last year’s Finals: an elite playmaker who doesn’t need the ball to score. And while Simmons has never been a scorer in the traditional sense, his ability to collapse defenses, find open shooters, and guard star wings could be exactly what the Celtics need to get over the hump and raise banner number 18.
The next few weeks will be critical. Simmons will likely participate in informal workouts with his new teammates, get integrated into the system during training camp, and go through what will be perhaps the most scrutinized preseason of his career. Every possession, every jump shot, every defensive rotation will be analyzed. But for the first time in a long time, Simmons enters a situation where he isn’t being asked to save a franchise or be its face. Instead, he’s being asked to do what he does best—and maybe rediscover the joy of playing basketball in the process.
Time will tell if this gamble pays off. But in a league where second chances are rare and storylines evolve quickly, the Celtics’ move to bring in Ben Simmons could end up being one of the smartest decisions of the offseason. If he regains even 75% of the form that made him an All-NBA talent, Boston’s already formidable roster becomes downright terrifying. For Simmons, it’s now or never. For the Celtics, it’s a calculated risk in pursuit of glory. And for the rest of the NBA, it’s a reminder that no story is ever truly finished until the final buzzer sounds.
