Ben Simmons has traded the hardwood for the high seas-at least for now. With his NBA career on pause, the former No. 1 overall pick is diving headfirst into a new venture: professional offshore fishing. Simmons is now the controlling operator of the South Florida Sails, a team in the Sport Fishing Championship, a top-tier saltwater fishing league.
But don’t mistake this for a full retirement tour just yet. Simmons may be reeling in marlin these days, but basketball is still very much on his radar.
The 29-year-old free agent, who last suited up for the Los Angeles Clippers, says he’s training hard-six days a week in Los Angeles, mixing basketball workouts with strength and rehab sessions. The goal?
To get his body back to peak condition before even considering a return to the league.
“I don’t believe it’s just [about] getting on a team,” Simmons told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears.
“If I were to play right now, I think I’d fit right into the NBA just given what I can do. But I want to give everything I can to the game.
I don’t think there’s any point in just wasting a spot just to be out there. I think that’s a little selfish.
And there are guys that do it now. But that’s what it is, the business.”
That’s a candid take from a player who’s seen the highs of All-Star selections and the lows of injury setbacks. Simmons isn’t just looking for a jersey-he’s looking to be the player he knows he can be. And until he feels like he’s there, he’s content to stay off the court.
After a turbulent exit from Philadelphia and an injury-plagued stint in Brooklyn, Simmons joined the Clippers midway through last season following a buyout with the Nets. But even in L.A., he struggled to find his rhythm.
In 18 games, he averaged just 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in limited minutes. His shooting numbers hit career lows, including a 43.4 percent mark from the field and just 6.5 field goal attempts per 36 minutes.
There was some interest over the summer-both the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics reportedly explored bringing Simmons in on a minimum deal. But as rumors of potential retirement swirled, Simmons parted ways with his agent, Bernie Lee, adding more uncertainty to his already murky NBA future.
Still, Simmons insists he’s not done. He’s putting in the work-two-a-day sessions focused on basketball, strength, and rehab-all in hopes of getting back to the level he once played at. Whether that leads to another NBA chapter remains to be seen, but for now, Simmons is staying ready.
And while his fishing career might be making headlines, the real story is still unfolding behind the scenes-in the gym, on the court, and in the quiet work of trying to reclaim what once made him one of the league’s most unique talents.