Is Ben Simmons finally preparing to give basketball another shot?
The Australian has fuelled speculation about a potential NBA comeback after posting new training photographs alongside a reflective message suggesting he is ready for another chapter.
Simmons appeared noticeably stronger while working out on a basketball court in Melbourne, although the images alone do not confirm that he has committed to returning for the 2026-27 NBA season.
“Grateful for where I’ve been. Proud of where I stand. Ready for wherever this goes,” Simmons wrote on Instagram.
The development was first reported by the Herald Sun.
Simmons steps back onto the court
Simmons did not play during the entire 2025-26 NBA season after deciding to step away from basketball and prioritise his physical and mental health.
The 30-year-old has instead spent time pursuing his interest in professional sportfishing, including involvement with the South Florida Sails in the Sport Fishing Championship.
However, Simmons previously indicated that his year away from basketball did not necessarily mean he had retired.
“I needed to get away, and have some space, and just find myself again,” Simmons told Men’s Health earlier this year.
“If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. But this is what feels right.”
His latest post is the clearest public indication yet that he is seriously considering what comes next. Still, there has been no confirmed contract offer, workout with an NBA team or agreement for the upcoming season.
That distinction is important. Simmons looks fit and is back on a court, but an NBA comeback has not been formally announced.
Could Simmons really return to Philadelphia?
The most extraordinary possibility being discussed is a return to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philadelphia selected Simmons with the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, and he developed into one of the league’s most versatile young players during his time with the organisation.
The relationship eventually collapsed after the 2021 playoffs. Simmons subsequently requested a trade, sat out the following season and was sent to Brooklyn in the February 2022 deal that brought James Harden to Philadelphia.
Despite that bitter separation, former NBA champion Jeff Teague recently urged Simmons and the 76ers to consider a shock reunion.
A return would potentially place Simmons alongside LeBron James, who joined Philadelphia on a heavily discounted contract earlier in the offseason.
However, no credible report has confirmed that Simmons and the 76ers are currently negotiating. Any Philadelphia comeback must therefore be treated as speculation rather than an imminent signing.
From All-Star to NBA outsider
At his best, Simmons was one of basketball’s most unusual and valuable players.
The 208-centimetre playmaker earned three consecutive All-Star selections between 2019 and 2021. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2020, made two All-Defensive teams and led the league in steals during the 2019-20 season.
Simmons averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists across four regular seasons with Philadelphia.
His career changed dramatically following the 2021 playoffs, with injuries, confidence issues and a prolonged dispute with the 76ers contributing to his decline.
Simmons later underwent two back operations and struggled to remain available during his time with Brooklyn.
He made only 108 regular-season appearances across the Nets and Los Angeles Clippers between 2022 and 2025, averaging 5.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 23.9 minutes per game.
Clippers stint failed to revive career
Brooklyn waived Simmons in February 2025, allowing him to sign with the Clippers for the remainder of the season.
He played 18 regular-season games for Los Angeles but averaged only 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 16.4 minutes.
Simmons also made five brief playoff appearances as the Clippers were eliminated by Denver in seven games.
That remains his most recent NBA action.
For the entire 2024-25 season, including his time with Brooklyn, Simmons played 51 games and averaged five points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists.
Those numbers are a long way removed from his All-Star peak, but Simmons would not necessarily need to rediscover his former scoring production to help an NBA team.
His size, passing and defensive versatility could still appeal to a contender if he is healthy, committed and willing to accept a limited role on a minimum contract.
Comeback remains possible—not confirmed
Simmons’ latest photographs will inevitably generate excitement, particularly among Australian basketball supporters still hoping to see him fulfil his immense potential.
They also provide evidence that he has returned to basketball training after spending a season away from the NBA.
What they do not provide is confirmation that a comeback is complete.
Until Simmons signs a contract or publicly commits to playing, his future will remain uncertain. But after a year dominated by fishing, recovery and questions about retirement, his message appears deliberately clear.
The door to an NBA return is open again.
