The Minnesota Timberwolves sorely need a power forward, and they must make at least one roster addition to meet league requirements. Frankly, barring a Jonathan Kuminga signing, there aren't many ideal options for the Timberwolves. One such option could be Ben Simmons.
According to Marc Spears of ESPN, several teams have expressed interest in Simmons, who is eyeing a return to the NBA. On some level, buying low on a former All-Star, who could play the four and has defense and playmaking chops, would make a lot of sense. Even if Simmons gets back to being a clear-cut rotation player (which isn't impossible but not highly likely), there's one glaring problem: he can't shoot. Notably, he's made just five career shots from deep range.
Some level of outside shooting should be a requirement for whoever the Timberwolves opt to add at the forward spot. Look, it's fine if they don't land an elite shooter. That would be a tough ask at this stage of free agency. A complete non-spacing threat like Simmons, though? No thanks.
The reality is that Simmons could only fit with specific lineups and would go against the Timberwolves' newfound floor-spacing identity.
Simmons' lack of shooting alone should take him off the Timberwolves' radar
Timberwolves fans should be familiar with the downsides of a non-floor-spacing backcourt after the past two seasons. The combination of Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert made it easier for opposing teams to defend the Timberwolves' offense, since either the paint would be clogged or teams could sag off Randle.
One of the best parts about the Timberwolves' offseason is that Gobert and Joan Beringer are the team's only non-spacing threats, or to put it positively, Minnesota has a ton of spacing. Having a non-spacing center is perfectly fine. Regardless, a non-spacing frontcourt is a nightmare.
As such, signing Simmons would give the Timberwolves a few options -- none of which are ideal. Firstly, the Wolves could lean into non-spacing frontcourt lineups whenever Simmons is on the floor. Alternatively, they could play Simmons at the five and take minutes away from Beringer. I'll pass. Or the most likely scenario is that Simmons' lack of floor spacing would prevent him from cracking the rotation.
Minnesota's final roster spot going to a pure depth piece is fine, and to this end, signing Simmons wouldn't be a disaster. Ideally, though, the Timberwolves would find a player with more rotation potential, or a trusted veteran presence like Kevin Love. Simmons doesn't fit either option.
Overall, despite their need for a power forward, the Timberwolves should pass on Simmons' bid to return to the NBA and let another team roll the dice on him.
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