In order to strengthen their backcourt this offseason, the Boston Celtics have been searching for an experienced guard in free agency. Due to their failure to sign Marcus Smart and Damian Lillard thus far, they are now focusing on Ben Simmons.
Simmons was a three-time All-Star in the past, but his career has been marred by several injuries and a startling drop in offensive output. Simmons averaged five points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game in 51 games with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers during the previous season.
The numbers Simmons was putting up during his first four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he was selected to three All-Star teams, are a far cry from that.
two selections to the 2018 Rookie of the Year Award and the All-Defensive First Team.
Simmons nevertheless has a distinct playing profile that makes him a valuable backup for teams vying for a spot in the playoffs. When he’s on the court and playing at his best, he’s one of the league’s best perimeter defenders and a superb facilitator in the backcourt.
Boston could definitely use a defensive stopper in their backcourt after moving Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, and rumors have it that they are among the clubs interested in signing him. The Celtics are currently the front-runner to sign Simmons in free agency, according to the most recent Bovada odds.
The Celtics don’t exactly have a free shot at signing Simmons because the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Sacramento Kings are also vying for his services. However, the C’s might be motivated to go above and beyond to land him following a quiet start to free agency.
To return to the second apron of the salary cap, Boston waived another guard, JD Davison, on Thursday night. It’s not out of the question that Simmons would be joining the Celtics, as this suggests that additional transactions are imminent.
Simmons is reportedly getting close to deciding where he will play basketball next. The oddsmakers think they will win the contest for his signature, although it is unclear if he will pick the C’s.
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