Ben Simmons again hints at possible NBA comeback

Ben Simmons still hasn’t closed the door on an NBA comeback. In fact, the former No. 1 overall pick appears to be leaving it fairly wide open.

Simmons posted a message on Instagram over the weekend reflecting on his career and what might come next.

“I wouldn’t change the story. The highs, the lows, the pain, the time, the lessons. I embrace all of it,” Simmons wrote. “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.”

That last sentence is naturally getting some attention.

Simmons, who turned 30 in July, did not play in the NBA last season as he continued to work his way back from recurring back problems that have derailed much of his career.

He told Andscape in December that he was working toward a comeback, but wasn’t interested in rushing the process. Simmons said his goal was to make his body “bulletproof” before attempting another return.

Then in June, he mentioned two particularly interesting possibilities.

“Maybe I’ll go back to Philly,” Simmons told ESPN. “Miami would be nice.”

The Philadelphia possibility has continued to generate some chatter. As Hoops Wire noted last week, Spanish outlet Blog de Basket reported that the 76ers were considering Simmons for their final roster spot on a one-year, minimum contract.

That report has not been corroborated by a major NBA insider, so there’s no indication a reunion is imminent.

Simmons nevertheless remains one of the more intriguing names outside the league.

At his peak with Philadelphia, he made three All-Star teams, earned All-NBA honors and twice landed on the NBA’s All-Defensive first team.

Back injuries changed everything. Simmons underwent surgeries in 2022 and 2024 and appeared in just 108 games for the Nets and Clippers from 2022-25.

Whether there is another NBA chapter remains to be seen. Simmons, at least, sounds increasingly open to finding out.