Davion Mitchell is projected as the starting point guard, but the Heat’s depth behind him becomes unconventional quickly. Dru Smith offers another ball-handler option, while Tim Hardaway Jr., Thompson, and Pelle Larsson are more naturally suited off the ball. The frontcourt features Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo as primary initiators, but Miami still lacks a proven secondary ball-handler who can organize possessions consistently.
Enter Ben Simmons. Simmons, 30, is attempting an NBA comeback after sitting out the previous season. He has drawn attention from around the league as teams weigh his fit, including a recent workout he hosted in Florida that reportedly drew praise from attendees. For the Heat, a minimum-salary deal would represent a calculated risk aligned with the franchise’s history of shrewd, value-based moves.
Ben Simmons Could Address Heat’s Playmaking Need
Simmons stands out as a unique playmaker at 6-foot-10. In the 2024-25 season split between two teams, he averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds across 51 games. While his shooting limitations have been a long-standing concern, his size and passing ability could allow him to defend, rebound, and create opportunities for others. Miami would not need him to be the traditional floor-general of his Philadelphia days; rather, they would benefit from a player who can defend, pick up rebounds, and initiate offense when needed.
The shooting added by Thompson, along with the shooting options provided by Hardaway, Andrew Wiggins, and Simone Fontecchio, gives the Heat more spacing to accommodate a lineup featuring Simmons. Richards provides another conventional center behind Adebayo, meaning Simmons would not be forced to assume the Heat’s primary center role. Instead, he could function as a second-unit initiator, a point forward, and a switchable defender—roles that would still address a significant gap for the team.
Miami’s Frontcourt and Backcourt Balance
The addition of Thompson injects championship experience and one of the league’s premier shooters into Erik Spoelstra’s system. Richards adds size and rebounding depth in the middle. The remaining need is a backcourt creator who can handle the ball and generate for others when Mitchell sits. Simmons could fill that slot, albeit with some risk due to his injury history and recent absence from NBA action.
Simmons’ presence would also require careful lineup construction. Pairing him for extended stretches with Antetokounmpo and Adebayo could naturally narrow the floor, so Miami would need to optimize spacing with additional shooting around the trio. The recent acquisitions provide a balance of size, defense, and shooting that could allow Simmons to contribute without becoming the focal point of the offense.
Roster Flexibility and Strategy
Richards’ signing changes how the final roster spot could be used. While a traditional big man was once a priority, the Heat can now consider optimism for a small but meaningful upgrade at guard who can facilitate and defend. Simmons brings a distinctive mix of size, playmaking, and defensive versatility that aligns with a veteran minimum commitment—an appealing upside bet for a contender.
Competition for the final spot remains, as other teams are also weighing veteran guards and playmakers. Nevertheless, Miami can offer a defined role within a championship-caliber organization, a coaching staff experienced in maximizing unconventional talents, and the roster balance needed to take a calculated risk.
Bottom line
The Heat have built a versatile and balanced roster around Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, with Thompson adding shooting and experience, Richards providing size and rebounding, and Mitchell anchoring the backcourt. The last roster spot could be used to pursue a high-upside playmaker, and Ben Simmons represents a potential fit in that role. While there are risks, the combination of Simmons’ size and playmaking potential with the surrounding shooting and defense could offer Miami a complementary, flexible option off the bench or in secondary lineups.
As the team continues to evaluate its options, the potential addition of Simmons would reflect Miami’s willingness to swing for impact, especially when the return on such a move could be substantial given the right role and fit.
