Warriors Eyeing Former No. 1 Pick: Ben Simmons to Fill Long‑Range Playmaker Role
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly showing significant interest in 6-foot-10, former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons as they look to plug critical roster gaps ahead of the new season. With the team still shedding offseason moves—Durant-era role-player Kevon Looney has departed—the Suns of speculation have centered on Simmons potentially joining Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler to reinvigorate Golden State’s lineup (Sportskeeda).
Why Simmons Makes Sense
1. Playmaking & Court Vision
Simmons has long been lauded for his ability to orchestrate offense from the forward spot. His passing skills and ability to initiate action would reduce playmaking pressure on Curry, creating fluidity in half-court sets and pick-and-roll situations .
2. Defensive Versatility
Standing at 6′10″ with exceptional defensive instincts, Simmons could guard multiple positions—filling the gap left by Looney—while protecting the rim and covering wings .
3. Shooting Concerns
Simmons’ offensive limitations—particularly his reluctance to shoot—still loom large. Critics point out his “zero offensive game” beyond facilitation (Sportskeeda). However, if Golden State can leverage his strengths and surround him with elite shooters, they might mitigate that weakness.
Context: Warriors’ Offseason Stasis
In recent interviews—including one at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship—Steph Curry dodged questions about roster upgrades, acknowledging “rumors flying around” but offering no specifics (SFGATE). With fan frustration mounting, the Simmons buzz has struck a chord.
Risk vs. Reward
✅ Upside
- Immediate impact: A veteran with elite court vision and defense who fits the Warriors’ “ball movement” ethos.
- Playoff experience: Simmons brings postseason savvy—though not yet a deep playoff run participant with consistent contributions.
⚠️ Downside
- Offensive fit: With no consistent jump shot, teams may sag off him, limiting spacing unless mitigated.
- Health concerns: Though not highlighted in recent reports, Simmons has missed time in past seasons due to injuries—worth monitoring.
- Team dynamics: Balancing his need for touches with Curry and Butler’s scoring roles will require careful coaching.
Fitting Into the Curry–Butler Core
Pairing Simmons with Curry, Butler, Green, and perhaps Looney’s exit opens up opportunities:
- Southern Hemisphere of the floor: Curry & Butler handle shooting; Simmons initiates and defends.
- Switch-heavy defense: Green and Simmons together could offer versatile matchups in modern NBA schemes.
- Frontcourt spacing (still needed): The team may still chase size, but Simmons adds play in multiple dimensions.
Other Linked Names
While Simmons headlines, other 6′10″+ bigs have appeared in rumor discussions:
- Al Horford (39, veteran center) – Curry alluded to him as “a champion, great player,” but at 39, it’s unclear whether he’d significantly elevate the frontcourt (The Times of India, CBSSports.com, Blue Man Hoop).
- Nikola Vučević (6′10″, Chicago Bulls) – Discussed as a potential trade target earlier in the season for his shooting ability (Heavy Sports).
- Onyeka Okongwu – Younger, promising rim-protector and rebounder; a trade fit from Atlanta rumored back in April (The Times of India).
Fan Reactions
On social media, responses to Simmons have been mixed:
“Ben Simmons would be the perfect Warrior LMAO he’s past his prime, can’t shoot…”
— @SuperstarBNB (Sportskeeda)
“Needs shooters and the opposite of a shooter is Ben Simmons.”
— @earlboykinsfan (Sportskeeda)
These voices reflect hope for Simmons’ all-around impact but skepticism over his offensive consistency.
Conclusion: Bold Move or Bold Mistake?
With no signature offseason trade sealed, the Warriors is exploring impactful upgrades. Simmons offers a tantalizing blend—size, playmaking, defense—with high upside if surrounded by shot-makers. But his glaring offensive limitations could hamper spacing unless tightly integrated.
At just under 600 words now, Golden State’s potential pursuit of Ben Simmons reveals a high-stakes gamble to rejuvenate their playoff window around Curry and Butler. Will the gamble pay off? That depends on fit, coaching, and whether the organization can offset Simmons’ shortcomings with complementary pieces.
