Ben Simmons Opens Up on His NBA Future as Rehab and Reflection Take Center Stage
Right now, Ben Simmons’ name is back in the NBA conversation, but not because of standings or box scores. Instead, it’s about a former No. 1 overall pick trying to figure out what comes next in a career that has been slowed, interrupted, and reshaped by injuries, criticism, and time away from the game.
Simmons, now 29 and approaching 30, has spoken openly about why he chose not to sign with a team this offseason. According to him, the decision was made after years of dealing with persistent back injuries that affected nearly every part of his daily life. It wasn’t just about missing games. Simple things like sitting, sleeping, traveling, or even standing upright were said to be painful at times. Over nine NBA seasons, more than 270 games have been missed, and over the last four years, he was available for only about one-third of possible games.
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Last season, split between the Brooklyn Nets and the LA Clippers, Simmons appeared in 51 games, averaging around five points in limited minutes. He admitted that throughout much of the year, he felt only 20 to 30 percent healthy. Playing through that kind of discomfort eventually became exhausting, both physically and mentally. So instead of rushing into another contract, it was decided that his focus would shift fully to rehab, with the goal of returning later this season or potentially ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.
From Simmons’ perspective, this pause isn’t about quitting basketball. It’s about finally giving his body a real chance to heal. He has been training in Los Angeles with the aim of becoming “bulletproof,” as he put it, and avoiding the setbacks that have defined recent seasons. Encouragingly, he said his shot feels good again, even mentioning that he can take a simple hook shot without pain — something that hadn’t been possible before.
Of course, injuries weren’t the only reason his career went off track. The fallout from the 2021 playoffs in Philadelphia, the trade standoff with the 76ers, mental health struggles, and eventual moves to Brooklyn and Los Angeles all added layers to his story. Public perception shifted sharply, and criticism followed him everywhere, from social media jokes to harsh comments from former players.
Away from the court, Simmons has found an outlet in fishing, a passion that goes back to his childhood in Australia. Recently, that love turned into an investment, as he bought a stake in a Sports Fishing Championship team. While some fans mocked the move, Simmons made it clear that fishing gives him peace and perspective, separate from basketball’s constant pressure.
As his 30th birthday approaches, the question isn’t just whether Ben Simmons will return to the NBA, but what version of himself will come back. Whether it’s with a basketball in his hands or a fishing rod nearby, this next chapter is being written on his own terms.
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