Ben Simmons 2.0? Reborn Star Shows Flashes of Greatness as Calls Grow to Sign Him Long-Term
By Marcus DeLaney | July 26, 2025
In a surprising turn few predicted, Ben Simmons is not just back—he’s evolving. After years of uncertainty, injury setbacks, and endless media scrutiny, the 6’10” former All-NBA talent is quietly rewriting his narrative—and perhaps his future—in a hybrid role that’s drawing comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats.
Now 29 years old and entering what many consider a player’s prime, Simmons has found a groove again. And while he’s not lighting up the scoreboard with threes, what he is doing might be even more valuable in today’s three-point-saturated NBA landscape.
> “You don’t need five snipers,” said one unnamed executive. “You need balance. Simmons gives you that. He’s a stabilizer.”
Point Power Forward: A Rare Breed Returns
In his latest stint—now with the Portland Trail Blazers after a midseason trade from Brooklyn—Simmons has leaned into a role some are calling “Point Power Forward.” It’s a throwback concept fused with modern pace-and-space basketball. Think Larry Bird’s vision and rebounding presence mixed with LeBron James’ downhill passing and court awareness—minus the consistent jump shot.
But here’s the twist: Simmons is now toggling between Point-Four and Point-Center duties, especially when teams downsize. With his innate ability to orchestrate the offense, grab boards, and switch defensively across four positions, his floor value is back in the spotlight.
> “We’re letting Ben play free,” Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups said after a win over the Kings. “No overthinking. Just read, react, and lead.”
Since returning to full health in March, Simmons has averaged:
10.8 PPG
7.9 APG
7.2 RPG
1.6 SPG
1.1 BPG
The blocks might surprise fans who’ve criticized his rim protection, but Simmons once had a season with 70 total blocks—a stat that stacks up surprisingly well. For context, two-time MVP Nikola Jokić only had 50 last season. Simmons is not a traditional rim protector, but his timing, vertical IQ, and help-side instincts make him quietly effective.
> “He’s not a shot blocker like Gobert, but he alters. He rotates. He anticipates. That’s impact,” said ESPN’s Tim Legler.
Balancing the Modern NBA Offense
Where Simmons’ value is truly emerging again is as a counterweight to the modern game’s three-point frenzy. The Blazers—like many teams—have leaned into spacing, featuring shooters like Anfernee Simons and rookie sensation Marcus Reyes. Simmons doesn’t need to shoot threes; his mere presence attacking the seams, slinging cross-court passes, and pushing pace in transition gives Portland structure.
> “He’s like a conductor,” said Reyes. “We’re playing jazz, and he keeps it all in tune.”
Simmons’ ability to drive-and-kick, post up smaller defenders, and grab-and-go off rebounds fills critical gaps in a system that can otherwise become one-dimensional.
Contract Talks Brewing?
Whispers are growing louder: Should the Blazers sign Simmons long-term?
His current deal expires at the end of the season, and while skeptics remain, front offices are watching closely. His durability over the last three months, defensive versatility, and basketball IQ are making teams reconsider what a second-act star can look like.
> “You want him next to your shooters,” one scout said. “You want him guarding your toughest matchup. You want him with the ball late if your guards are gassed. That’s not a bust. That’s value.”
Final Word
Ben Simmons may never be a 25-point-per-game scorer or a 40% three-point shooter. But what he can be—at 6’10”, 29 years old, with All-NBA experience and fresh legs—is something the NBA doesn’t have much of: a floor general who sees over defenses, defends every position, and plays with flow instead of friction.
Don’t call it a comeback.
Call it a recalibration.
And if he keeps this up?
Call it a contract extension.
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Marcus DeLaney is a senior NBA columnist and analyst for CourtVision Weekly.
