If the Miami Heat were to make a play for Ben Simmons, it would likely come off as a pretty desperate move. However, even though it would be viewed as an uninspiring path for the Heat, especially after missing out on LeBron James, it would give them the best shot to solve their playmaking question marks heading into the start of the season.
Understandably, there’d be some concerns about whether Simmons can still play at an NBA level, much less remain healthy over the rigors of a season.
And those are all fair, considering Simmons has been out of the league since 20024-25 NBA season. In theory, though, Simmons does possess the secondary playmaking ability that they were hoping they could get with LeBron. But after he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, taking a flier on Simmons may not be that terrible of an idea.
Especially when it comes to playmaking, this is one of those low-risk moves that could end up paying off for the Heat.
Should the Heat take a gamble on Ben Simmons?
Of course, that’s under the assumption that Simmons would be able to bounce back after a full year away from professional basketball. There’s no guarantee that he can, but even the mere chance that he could should perk the ears of the Heat’s front office.
At this point in the team’s roster-building process, the Heat is trying to find competitive advantages where other teams can’t. Simmons could present that opportunity for Miami.
As he works his way back into the NBA, the Heat could be an intriguing suitor. There would be no pressure on Simmons, and it would almost certainly start with a training camp invite. According to recent reporting, he may already have that from another team. However, considering he reportedly lives in Miami, there's reason to believe that the Heat could make even more sense for Simmons.
But aside from that side fact, Simmons also pretty much fits perfectly with what the Heat needs. Simmons could emerge as a viable backup forward for Miami, while bringing in some much-needed playmaking.
While Simmons struggled mightily before falling out of the NBA entirely, there was one constant for Simmons: his playmaking ability. Even when he lost confidence on the offensive end of the floor and struggled with injuries more than anything, he was always still considered one of the best playmakers in the game.
This is a marriage that could make sense for both sides
Despite playing some of the least confident basketball of his career, Simmons was still one of the best playmakers when he was on the floor. If he can replicate just some of that for the Heat, especially in small spurts, that's where a path could make sense for both sides.
If Simmons is indeed pursuing a return, you'd imagine he'd welcome a shot with the Heat. The question is, should Miami be willing to go down this path? That's one of the most intriguing questions - and possibilities - that the Heat's front office may already be exploring.
It may seem unimaginable for now, but if I were the Heat, I wouldn't shut the door on a potential Simmons tryout just yet. What's the worst thing that could happen if they were to give Simmons a non-guaranteed training camp invite?
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