Ben Simmons, a former No. 1 NBA draft pick, hinted at a return to professional basketball with a recent Instagram post. Alongside a shirtless photo of himself on the basketball court, Simmons shared a thoughtful message about his journey in the sport.
“I wouldn’t change the story,” Simmons wrote. “The highs, the lows, the pain, the time, the lessons. I embrace all of it.”
He continued by expressing how each chapter of his career has shaped him. “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,” he added.
Simmons last played for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season, participating in 17 games. His stats included averages of 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over 16.4 minutes per game.
A notable figure in basketball, Simmons was the No. 1 pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft. After missing his first season due to injury, he claimed the 2018 Rookie of the Year title. Philadelphia’s choice of Simmons over future stars like Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, and Jamal Murray is well-remembered. Interestingly, Jaylen Brown and Jamal Murray have both earned championships with their respective teams.
Murray secured his championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, while Brown became an NBA Finals MVP in 2024 with the Boston Celtics. Notably, the 76ers acquired Brown in a trade with the Celtics this offseason, reigniting discussions about the 2016 draft.
Throughout his career, Simmons has been named a three-time NBA All-Star and twice selected for the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Although his recent performances were with the Clippers and previously the Brooklyn Nets, his most outstanding career averages were achieved with the 76ers.
Simmons became a free agent after the 2024-25 season. While he didn’t join any teams last season, his recent Instagram post suggests he may be open to new opportunities if a team finds his contributions valuable.
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