Ben Simmons Eyes NBA Return While Diving Into Pro Fishing Venture
Ben Simmons isn’t ready to close the door on basketball just yet. The three-time NBA All-Star is grinding through a rigorous rehab schedule in Los Angeles, aiming to make a healthy return to the league. At the same time, he’s casting a wider net-literally-by stepping into the world of professional sport fishing as a team owner in the Sport Fishing Championship.
According to Simmons, he’s been putting in two-a-day basketball workouts six days a week, mixing strength training with rehab sessions as he works his way back from injury. The goal?
To be ready for a potential return around the NBA All-Star break. While there are still hurdles to clear, Simmons says he’s turning a corner physically and feeling encouraged by his progress.
It’s been a winding road for Simmons, who was waived by the Nets last season before a brief stint with the Clippers. His time in L.A. was limited-just 16 minutes a night, a few rebounds, a couple of assists-but it was clear he wasn’t close to full strength. He didn’t see much action in the postseason, and questions about his long-term role in the league lingered.
Now, at 29, Simmons is trying to write a new chapter. The physical tools have never been in doubt.
At 6-foot-10 with elite court vision and defensive versatility, Simmons was once viewed as a franchise cornerstone. But his offensive limitations-particularly his reluctance to shoot outside the paint-have long been part of the conversation.
That conversation reached a boiling point during his time in Philadelphia, especially during the Sixers’ 2021 playoff run. Simmons passed up a wide-open dunk late in a pivotal Game 7 against Atlanta, a moment that came to symbolize his hesitancy and lack of offensive aggression. Despite his All-NBA defense and playmaking ability, teams began to question whether they could build around a player who didn’t space the floor.
Still, it’s worth remembering the upside. Simmons is a gifted athlete with a rare skill set.
When healthy and engaged, he can impact the game in ways few others can-pushing the pace in transition, locking down multiple positions, and creating for teammates. The question is whether he can rediscover that form and, just as importantly, whether he can adapt his game to fit the modern NBA.
In the meantime, Simmons is expanding his interests off the court. His involvement in the Sport Fishing Championship isn’t just a hobby-it’s a business move and a sign of how he’s diversifying his focus while rehabbing. For a player who’s often been in the spotlight for what he hasn’t done on the court, it’s a refreshing look at what he is doing with his time and resources.
Whether Simmons gets another shot in the league remains to be seen. But for now, he’s putting in the work, both on the hardwood and in the water. And if he can stay healthy and find the right fit, there’s still a chance for him to make an impact.