Anshari Taslim
The last competitive appearance for former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons in an NBA game occurred on April 25, 2024. Suiting up for the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Simmons registered less than five minutes of play, concluding his evening with zero points, one rebound, and one block as the Clippers exited the postseason. This outing marked the culmination of a challenging season where Simmons participated in just 18 games for Los Angeles, having joined the team after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets in February and subsequently signing a deal for the remainder of the season. Following the conclusion of the NBA season, Simmons remained unsigned as a free agent during the offseason, a status that persists as he continues his intensive efforts towards an NBA comeback. Concurrently, the three-time All-Star has broadened his focus to include a significant involvement in professional fishing.
Simmons has detailed to Andscape his rigorous training regimen, which includes two-a-day basketball sessions coupled with strength and rehabilitation workouts, conducted six days a week. This demanding schedule underscores his dedication to regaining the form necessary for an NBA return. Despite the absence of a firm timeline for his re-entry into the league and with no current team affiliations, Simmons harbors aspirations of achieving sufficient health to potentially join a roster either during the upcoming All-Star break or by the commencement of the next NBA season. His motivation extends beyond merely occupying a roster spot; he emphasizes a commitment to contributing meaningfully.
"I don’t believe it’s just [about] getting on a team," Simmons stated in the interview. "So, 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." This perspective reflects a desire to return at a level where he can make a tangible impact, rather than simply being a participant.
Simmons’ professional career, particularly in recent years, has been significantly hampered by injury. After being drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, he missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury. He then embarked on a promising start, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2018. Over his initial four seasons with the 76ers, he established himself as a unique talent, averaging 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. His exceptional court vision, elite passing, and versatile defense earned him three All-Star selections (2019, 2020, 2021), an All-NBA Third Team nod (2020), and two selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team (2020, 2021). His physical attributes, standing 6-foot-10, allowed him to guard multiple positions effectively, making him a cornerstone of the 76ers’ defensive identity.
Related News :
- Kristaps Porziņģis to Miss Next Two Weeks as Atlanta Hawks Investigate Lingering Health Issues
- Sunday’s Top Sporting Contests: Eagles-Lions Lead Gridiron Action, With NBA, NHL, and College Hoops Highlights
- NBA Wednesday Night: High-Stakes Matchups and Model-Driven Betting Insights Anticipated
- Celtics vs. 76ers prediction, odds: NBA picks, best bets for Tuesday, Nov. 11
- NBA player props, picks, odds: Target Victor Wembanyama with Friday NBA best bets
However, a persistent challenge throughout his career has been his shooting, particularly from outside the paint. With a career three-point percentage of just 5.4% (5 made three-pointers in his career), his offensive game often drew criticism for its lack of perimeter threat, impacting floor spacing for his teams. This limitation became a focal point of public scrutiny, especially during his contentious departure from the 76ers, which included a holdout stemming from mental health concerns and a back injury.
His subsequent tenure with the Brooklyn Nets and then the Clippers saw his playing time severely restricted by a recurring nerve impingement in his back. After being traded to the Nets in February 2022, he did not play a single game for the franchise that season. In the 2022-23 season, he managed to play 42 games for Brooklyn before the back injury again sidelined him. The 2023-24 season with the Nets and Clippers further underscored his struggles, as he played only 18 games. Simmons has not played 60 or more games in a season since his second year in the league, which predates the global pandemic, highlighting the chronic nature of his physical setbacks. While he reports no new setbacks in his current recovery, the extended period of limited activity and the severity of his previous injuries present a formidable challenge to his goal of returning to his prior level of play as a two-way floor general.
Parallel to his demanding physical rehabilitation, Simmons has channeled his competitive drive into a new endeavor: professional fishing. He has become the owner of a professional fishing team, the South Florida Sails, which competes in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) league. This league comprises 16 teams across 11 states, with teams engaging in tournaments focused on catching various species of fish, culminating in a championship at the end of each season.
Simmons describes the sport with an appreciation for its intricate nature. "It’s a very niche sport. And if you don’t know, you don’t know," Simmons explained. "But once you experience it and get out there and see what it’s about, you’re kind of in awe of what the sport is. And that’s just something I’ve always been interested in in terms of the sport of fishing. The technique. And there’s so much to it that people just don’t understand." He further elaborated on the commitment involved, noting that teams operate "on million-dollar vessels, and they’re out for days at a time. So, it’s tedious and gritty, but a lot of fun. It’s one of those worlds where you just got to kind of experience it, get into it and see what it’s about."
While deeply involved in the ownership and strategic aspects of the South Florida Sails, Simmons clarifies that he is not a direct participant in the angling, candidly admitting, "I’m not the best angler." His commitment, however, is profound from an organizational standpoint. "I have a passion in helping these guys grow the sport because I really believe in it. So, for me to compete, it would be a little selfish. Maybe if I work hard enough to be a bit of an angler, maybe I’ll put myself on the roster. But it’s more so for me about building the community in Miami around the fishing. That’s really important, and it’s a responsibility that we have now." This venture allows him to apply his business acumen and passion for competitive environments in a distinct domain.
The journey back to elite NBA play for Simmons remains fraught with challenges. The version of Ben Simmons who was locking down the league’s best offensive players and dishing out exceptional assists is a distant memory for many observers. His career averages currently stand at 12.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, with a 56.0% field goal percentage over 317 regular-season games. These numbers, while solid, reflect the impact of his early career more than his recent output. The contemporary NBA, with its emphasis on versatile scoring and perimeter shooting, presents a different landscape than when Simmons first entered the league. Finding a team willing to invest in his recovery and integrate his unique skill set, while managing his ongoing health concerns, will be critical.
Despite the formidable odds and the passage of time since his peak performance, Simmons maintains a resolute perspective on his NBA future. "We’re human, we want to find out," he reflected. "I got to see. I don’t think this story is over for me playing, but let’s see where it goes. So as long as I put in that work and put the energy into doing that, then everything else will write itself." As he navigates the demanding path of physical rehabilitation and the burgeoning responsibilities of team ownership in a niche sport, Simmons embodies a multi-faceted pursuit of competitive excellence, both on and off the court.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
NBADecember 24, 2025Houston Rockets’ Forward Cam Whitmore Diagnosed with Deep-Vein Thrombosis, Sidelined Indefinitely.
NBADecember 24, 2025Ben Simmons Navigates Dual Ambitions: Pursuing NBA Return While Anchoring Professional Fishing Team
NBADecember 23, 2025SportsLine Identifies Key NFL, NBA Betting Opportunities for Monday Night, Highlights DraftKings $200 Bonus Bet Offer
NBADecember 23, 2025Cleveland Cavaliers Prepare to Host Charlotte Hornets: Betting Odds and Proven Model Insights for Monday’s Eastern Conference Matchup
Ali Akbar Rosady
rifan muazin
Jonas Leo
arthur roy sitompul