Ben Simmons returns to play in Australia while waiting for the Sixers?

Ben Simmons is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The four-time All-Star, who missed the entire 2025-26 season to focus on recovering from his physical issues, is gearing up to return to the court and is already attracting interest from several NBA teams.

The Australian will participate starting this Monday in Melbourne in a private minicamp organized by players from the Australian national team. As reported by ESPN, Simmons will approach the training just like any other participant and will have “zero restrictions”, a particularly positive sign following the physical issues that have impacted the latter years of his career.

At 30 years old, Simmons has not played an official game since his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, a franchise he joined in February 2025 after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets. With the Clippers, he played 18 regular-season games and an additional five in the playoffs.

Now, his situation is very different. Several NBA teams have already shown interest in acquiring his services, and the player would even be willing to accept a minimum salary contract. In fact, a source indicates that Simmons has a non-guaranteed offer on the table to participate in the minicamp from a team in the Western Conference.

Philadelphia 76ers, a possibility previously mentioned

In this context, a possibility that was previously reported in Blogdebasket gains special relevance: the potential return of Ben Simmons to Philadelphia 76ers, the franchise that drafted him as the number 1 pick in the 2016 Draft and where he enjoyed the best years of his career.

Although there is currently no confirmation of an agreement, the scenario could be appealing to both parties if Simmons demonstrates during the summer that he is physically ready to compete at the highest level once again.

His return to Philadelphia would also hold significant emotional value. Simmons spent his first five seasons in the NBA there, was the Rookie of the Year in 2018, and subsequently earned three consecutive selections to the All-Star Game between 2019 and 2021.

He was also part of the All-NBA Third Team in 2020 and was twice selected to the competition's All-Defensive First Team.

"He has regained his athleticism"

One of the most encouraging signs comes from his circle. David Patrick, an assistant at Arizona State, Simmons' godfather, and a member of the Australian national team's coaching staff, told Andscape that the player has regained his athleticism.

Simmons has primarily been working in Miami, where he resides, with the goal of regaining the physical conditions that allowed him to become one of the NBA's standout players.

The Australian chose not to play in the 2025-26 season to focus entirely on recovering from his back issues and other injuries. A decision that could now provide him with the opportunity to restart his career.

A talent hindered by injuries

Simmons' trajectory represents one of the significant "what if..." scenarios in recent NBA history.

Drafted as the number 1 pick in 2016, he quickly rose to stardom due to his combination of size, speed, defensive capability, and playmaking vision. However, injuries ultimately slowed down a progression that appeared destined to make him one of the most dominant players of his generation.

Simmons has not played more than 60 games in a season since the 2018-19 campaign. His physical problems, especially those related to his back, have severely impacted his consistency.

Now, he aims to change that dynamic.

Australia, another goal

A return to the NBA is not his only motivation. Simmons also aims to represent Australia in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The player, born in Melbourne, previously wore the Boomers jersey in the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championship when he was just 17 years old. However, he did not subsequently compete in any of the following three Olympic Games despite being considered one of the top talents in Australian basketball for years.

His presence in this minicamp will be a crucial first test towards reclaiming his spot on the national team.

And there's a detail showcasing his commitment: Simmons has personally covered the expenses for his trip to participate in the minicamp.

A fresh start

Simmons now faces a pivotal summer. Several NBA teams are monitoring his situation, and the player seems willing to accept a minimum contract in pursuit of a new opportunity.

The goal is simple: to prove that he can still be the player he was in Philadelphia.

His physical condition remains the biggest unknown, but early signs are positive. If he has truly regained his athleticism and manages to stay healthy, Ben Simmons could become one of the prime opportunities in the free agent market.

And among the possibilities that may arise for him is precisely the Philadelphia 76ers, a destination that was previously suggested by Blogdebasket as an option for the Australian's return to the NBA.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ben Simmons vuelve a jugar en Australia mientras ¿espera a los Sixers?