Ben Simmons: A Hopeful Return to Basketball
Ben Simmons, a former NBA star and first overall pick, remains hopeful about his basketball career despite extensive challenges. Having recently navigated a difficult offseason without signing with any team, Simmons has expressed a notable interest in rejoining the Philadelphia 76ers, a franchise where he previously faced considerable turmoil.
Challenges and Recent Developments
Following his release from the Brooklyn Nets and a disappointing tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers, Simmons has been without a contract. Last week, he showed his potential eagerness to return to the 76ers by liking a comment on Instagram that suggested he would be a good fit for the team.
On Tuesday, he took it a step further. In response to a query regarding a possible return, Simmons stated that he would be willing to play for the team without any salary, emphasizing that his focus is on fully rehabilitating his health before making any significant commitments. He remarked:
“It ain’t about the $, I’d hoop there for free. It’s deeper than what they make y’all believe, which is why I keep it pushing right now; the focus is getting the body to 100% before putting my health on the line again.”
Career Setbacks and Future Prospects
Simmons, age 29, has faced a torrent of challenges since his contentious exit from the 76ers, which included skipping training sessions and incurring nearly $20 million in fines, leading to a grievance that was eventually settled. His subsequent trade to the Nets came with a hefty contract, but his career took another hit when he underwent surgery for a herniated disc in his back.
Prior to that, while he struggled with shooting outside the paint, his skills in passing and rebounding were still recognized, as he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
As Simmons continues to seek reinvigoration in his career, the prospect of signing him on a minimal contract could attract some teams. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether the 76ers, despite their current roster limitations, would consider welcoming him back, especially given their complicated past together.
