Depth was one of the biggest concerns for the New York Knicks in the 2024-25 season. Sure, ex-coach Tom Thibodeau was already more likely to be stingy with his playoff rotations. With Thibodeau out the door and Mike Brown in charge, the Knicks have done their due diligence to provide their new head coach with some extra rotational options.
New York Knicks ‘In Contact’ With Former No. 1 Overall Pick originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Depth was one of the biggest concerns for the New York Knicks in the 2024-25 season. Sure, ex-coach Tom Thibodeau was already more likely to be stingy with his playoff rotations. However, a lack of considerable options made it easier to justify that strategy.
With Thibodeau out the door and Mike Brown in charge, the Knicks have done their due diligence to provide their new head coach with some extra rotational options. New York made two very savvy moves, adding Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.
Those two should provide some solid lineup versatility as it is with the combinations that can be ran when plugging in the bench pieces. The Knicks are not done there, though.
Knicks insider Ian Begley reeled off a bunch of names that New York has continued to monitor as free agency continues. Among the most noteworthy was former first overall pick Ben Simmons.
Begley wrote, "The Knicks have enough money for one veteran minimum contract and one rookie contract before they reach the second apron. ... They have continued to touch base with Ben Simmons during the free agency period."
Simmons split time last season between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. The former All-Star started off the 2024-25 campaign strong with the Knicks' crosstown rival, but was not quite able to replicate that success with the Clippers.
Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on the whole of 2024-25. Those averages dipped to 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in Los Angeles. His playoff impact was minimal, averaging only 8.4 minutes per game in five appearances against the Denver Nuggets.
Simmons' versatility still creates curiosity for potential suitors. That is where the Knicks' interest may come in. However, there is no doubt his best days have been behind him for quite some time.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
