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Ben Simmons Teases Stunning NBA Comeback: ‘Healthy & Ready’ IG Reveal
Ben Simmons Teases NBA Comeback: What You Need to Know
The Big News: Simmons Hints at Return
Three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons just dropped a major hint on social media that he might be ready to lace up his sneakers again. On Friday, he posted a photo on Instagram standing next to a basketball hoop with a heartfelt caption about his journey.
What he said: "I wouldn’t change the story. The highs, the lows, the pain, the time, the lessons. I embrace all of it. Every chapter built something in me that I couldn’t have built any other way. Grateful for where I’ve been. Proud of where I stand. Ready for wherever this goes."
Important Points to Remember
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Ben Simmons is a 3-time NBA All-Star and former #1 overall draft pick
- He hasn’t played in the NBA during the 2025-26 season
- He recently tried professional fishing as a co-owner/angler
- His career has been derailed by injuries (two back surgeries)
- His latest Instagram post strongly suggests a comeback attempt
Ben Simmons’ NBA Journey: A Rollercoaster Ride
The Early Glory Days (Philadelphia 76ers)
Simmons entered the league with massive hype as the #1 overall pick in the 2016 draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He lived up to it immediately:
- Rookie of the Year winner
- 3-time All-Star (2018, 2019, 2020)
- 2-time All-Defensive Team selection
- 1-time All-NBA selection
- Amazing stats over 4 seasons:
15.9 points | 8.1 rebounds | 7.7 assists | 1.7 steals per game
56% shooting from the field
The Injury Nightmare Begins
| Season | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Missed entire season due to contract holdout + back surgery |
| Sept 2022 | Traded to Brooklyn Nets |
| 2022-2024 | Played only 57 of 164 possible games (health issues) |
| 2023-24 | Second back surgery — season ended early |
The Unexpected Detour: Professional Fishing
After leaving the NBA, Simmons didn’t just sit around — he joined the professional fishing world!
He became a co-owner and angler for the South Florida Sails Angling Club and even competed in tournaments like the Walker’s Cay Blue Marlin Open in the Bahamas.
The Brief Clippers Stint (2024-25 Season)
- Feb 2025: Waived by Brooklyn Nets
- Signed with Los Angeles Clippers shortly after
- Combined stats (Nets + Clippers):
- 5.0 points per game
- 5.6 rebounds per game
- 52% field goal shooting
- End of season: Put playing career on hold due to piling injuries
Why This Comeback Talk Matters
The Timeline So Far
- 2016 — Drafted #1 by 76ers
- 2017-2021 — Star player, All-Star, elite defender
- 2021-22 — Missed full season (holdout + back surgery)
- 2022 — Traded to Nets
- 2022-2024 — Injury-plagued, 2nd back surgery
- 2024-25 — Brief Clippers run, then stepped away
- 2025-26 — Focused on fishing… until now
What Could a Comeback Look Like?
Reasons for Optimism
- Time to heal — Full 2025-26 season off for recovery
- Mental reset — Fishing provided new perspective ("embrace all of it")
- Still young — Only 28 years old (born July 1996)
- Elite defender/playmaker — Skills don’t disappear
Real Concerns
- Two major back surgeries — huge red flag for durability
- Lost explosiveness — Stats dropped from 15.9 PPG to 5.0 PPG
- Shooting questions — Never developed reliable jump shot
- Contract status — Currently a free agent, would need new deal
Summary
Ben Simmons — once one of the NBA’s brightest young stars — has had a career defined by incredible highs and frustrating lows. After a dominant start in Philadelphia, chronic back issues derailed his time in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. He stepped away from basketball entirely for the 2025-26 season to pursue professional fishing, but his latest Instagram post screams "I’m not done yet."
At 28, with a year of rest and a refreshed mindset, Simmons appears to be testing the waters for an NBA return. Whether a team takes a chance on his injury history remains the million-dollar question.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Why did Ben Simmons stop playing in the NBA?
A: He dealt with chronic back problems requiring two surgeries, plus other injuries that limited him to just 57 games over two seasons with the Nets. He decided to step away after a brief 2024-25 stint with the Clippers.
Q: What has he been doing instead of basketball?
A: Simmons became a co-owner and competitive angler for the South Florida Sails Angling Club, even competing in professional fishing tournaments in the Bahamas.
Q: Is he officially signed with an NBA team right now?
A: No. As of now, he’s a free agent. His Instagram post suggests he’s preparing for a comeback, but no team has announced a signing.
Q: How good was Ben Simmons at his peak?
A: Elite. He was a 3-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year, 2-time All-Defensive Team, and averaged nearly a triple-double (15.9 PTS, 8.1 REB, 7.7 AST) on 56% shooting during his prime in Philadelphia.
Q: What are the chances he actually plays in the NBA again?
A: Possible but uncertain. The year off helps his back, but two major spinal surgeries are serious. A team would likely sign him to a low-risk, incentive-based contract to see if he can stay healthy and contribute.
Stay tuned — this story isn’t over yet.
