The Atlanta Hawks' Eastern Conference Finals run feels like forever ago.
In 2021, they got there, taking down the Knicks and 76ers along the way. Despite it now being five years later, the biggest impacts of that run are still felt. Ben Simmons - the positionless three-time NBA All-Star - is yet to recover from his showing against the Hawks that year.
After seeing his production and playing-time rapidly decrease in the seasons that followed, Simmons didn't sign anywhere for the 2025-26 season. Honestly, it felt as if his playing days were over.
Now, it seems he's looking to make an NBA comeback, and while several teams could show real interest, the Hawks shouldn't be one of them.
Simmons fits Atlanta's system, but they shouldn't take the risk
According to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Simmons is "expected to be a full participant with 'zero restrictions' in a player-led Aussie men’s national team mini-camp in Melbourne" and that "several NBA teams have expressed interest," hinting at a comeback for the once-MVP candidate.
A few years back, not far removed from his disappointing 2021 postseason, Atlanta may have been smart, and incentivized, to give him a call.
Even now, with the way they prioritize getting out and running, as well as having quality positional size at every spot, the idea of bringing in Simmons makes all the sense in the world. On paper.
While Spears did make sure to note that Simmons currently feels the "best he’s felt in years," he just turned 30, and there's not much reason to believe he can truly get his athleticism back to where it once was.
One of the key components to his nightly attack - in his prime, that is - was his dominance in transition. That version of Simmons would be effective in Atlanta's fast-paced system.
They shouldn't jeopardize the impressive chemistry they've built
Atlanta was able to make some real noise in the back-half of last season because of their proven continuity. They were together, at all times.
While it may be unfair, especially to whatever this new version of Simmons looks like, he has a history of not getting along with his teammates.
Already at 17 rostered players, the Hawks shouldn't part ways with another potential weapon for the idea of Simmons getting back to what he used to be.
Comebacks are always fun to root for, but maybe the Hawks would be wise to view this one from afar.
Add us as a preferred source on Google