Ex-76ers dud linked to Knicks to round out New York's roster

The 76ers' top draft pick didn't live up to the hype.

Sometimes, things don't work out, even for the top draft picks in the NBA draft. For the Philadelphia 76ers, after it looked like Ben Simmons would be a guaranteed star for the next decade plus, that's exactly what happened. 

The 76ers had to move on from Simmons for many reasons, but mainly due to the backlash he was facing from the fan base and organization, which was just too much for them to continue to deal with. 

For both parties, it made sense to move on when they did.

Since then, Simmons has been around the league a bit and will be on another team next season, more than likely. 

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According to reports, the New York Knicks could be that team. 

When searching for what the Knicks could do after signing Mikal Bridges to a long-term extension, CBS Sports' James Herbert noted that they could finish their offseason by signing the former 76ers’ star. 

"The Knicks added Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson, but they still have only 12 players under contract. No. 51 pick Mohamed Diawara will sign with New York rather than staying in Cholet, according to the French team, but that could be a two-way contract," Herbert wrote.

"Could Ben Simmons be an option? He's been linked to the Knicks, and, if coach Mike Brown wants to play faster and diversify the offense, maybe he's worth a shot. It would be simpler to integrate a playmaker like Malcolm Brogdon, though, and three guards who finished the season in New York —Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet and Delon Wright — remain unsigned. Precious Achiuwa is still out there, too." 

It'd be intriguing to see the Knicks and 76ers go at it during a postseason matchup, especially if Simmons is on the other side. 

Fans at Wells Fargo Center will certainly be letting him know their feelings towards him, something all 76ers fans would love to do.

Category: Basketball