Ben Simmons’ NBA journey has been anything but conventional. Once heralded as the next big thing after going No. 1 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons now finds himself on the outside looking in - unsigned, inactive, and, according to his own words, intentionally stepping back from the league. But if a recent social media post is any indication, the former All-Star may not be done just yet - and he might even be eyeing a return to where it all began.
Simmons took to social media to respond to a fan who asked whether he’d ever consider playing for the Philadelphia 76ers again. His answer? Surprisingly open - and a little revealing.
“It ain’t about the $, I’d hoop there for free,” Simmons wrote. “It’s deeper than what they make y’all believe which is why I keep it pushing. Rn the focus is gettin the body to 100% before putting my health on the line again… like I have been the past few years.”
That’s a layered message. On one hand, it’s a clear sign that Simmons still feels a connection to Philly - a city that both embraced and scrutinized him during his five-year run with the Sixers. On the other, it’s a reminder of just how much his career has been derailed by injuries, and how much that’s taken a toll both physically and mentally.
Simmons last played in the NBA with the LA Clippers, joining the team after a contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets. And while his stat line with the Clippers - 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game over 18 appearances - doesn’t jump off the page, the tape told a different story. He was a steady rotation piece, giving the Clippers valuable minutes and showing flashes of the elite court vision and defensive versatility that once made him a matchup nightmare.
He logged just over 16 minutes per game in that stint, shooting 43.4% from the field and a surprising 85.7% from three - albeit on extremely limited attempts. Still, his presence mattered. The Clippers’ current struggles have only made his absence more noticeable, especially in moments where their second unit lacks playmaking and defensive energy.
What’s clear in Simmons’ message is that he’s prioritizing his health - and after years of battling back issues and knee problems, that’s not just understandable, it’s necessary. He’s made it clear that he’s not rushing a return just to prove something to critics or to chase a paycheck. For him, it’s about getting right physically, and perhaps mentally, before stepping back onto the floor.
As for a potential reunion with the Sixers? That’s a fascinating wrinkle.
The relationship between Simmons and the franchise ended on a rocky note, but time - and perspective - has a way of changing things. If Simmons truly is open to coming back, and if Philly sees a fit, it could be one of the more unexpected full-circle moments in recent NBA memory.
For now, though, Simmons remains unsigned - by choice, it seems. But his message makes one thing clear: he’s not done with basketball.
Not yet. And when he does return, he wants to do it on his terms - healthy, ready, and with something to prove.