NBA executive: ‘I think Ben Simmons’ career is over’

Ben Simmons remains unsigned as training camps approach, and one NBA team executive believes the former All-Star may not get another shot.

“I think his NBA career is over,” the executive told Hoops Wire. “That’s not meant to disparage Ben. I think he can still play and probably help someone. But there are just too many things working against him right now. I know we would not have an interest in signing him.”

Simmons, 29, split last season between the Nets and Clippers after a midyear buyout. He appeared in 51 games and averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists, shooting 52 percent from the field. It was the most games he played in a season since 2020-21, when he last made the All-Star team.

Despite that, his value across the league has plummeted. As Hoops Wire relayed earlier, Simmons recently parted ways with agent Bernie Lee, leaving him to navigate free agency without representation.

Multiple scouts have already told Hoops Wire there is little interest in bringing him aboard.

“I don’t think there’s any real interest in him beyond teams putting out some feelers,” one scout said. “So if he does retire, he can spin it as if it’s being done by choice. But I think teams are probably going to make that decision for him.”

Another scout added that Simmons might find a non-guaranteed camp invite, but even then, his role would be minimal.

“He could still offer defense, ballhandling and decent reserve guard play to a contender,” the scout said. “But it would have to be the right situation and he’d need to understand he may not play more than 10 minutes some nights.”

For now, Simmons remains in limbo. He has been loosely linked to the Knicks, Kings and Warriors, but whether any team makes an actual offer is another matter. As one executive put it, the “ship has sailed.”

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