Former Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons remains out of the NBA as he has yet to sign a deal with any respective team. Despite possessing the playmaking and defensive skillset that certain teams would greatly utilize, Simmons recently spoke out in an interview, explaining why he has yet to secure a spot on any squad at the moment.
Ben Simmons’ Reason for Not Playing This NBA Season
Simmons last played for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season, appearing in 18 regular-season games and five playoff contests. He averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists during the season but saw his role diminish during the team’s first-round series against the Denver Nuggets.
Simmons reportedly received an offer from the New York Knicks for a minimum contract, but he declined it during the offseason. Now, the veteran guard has been interviewed by reporter Sam Jane of The Athletic. It was there that he explained why he has yet to accept any deal with a team, citing his health as the main reason.
“Tired of playing hurt, Ben Simmons said he decided against signing with another NBA team in the offseason, opting instead for an extended rehab effort meant to restore his health in time to return to the league either later this season or before the 2026-27 campaign,” Jane wrote.
“I’m about to be 30 years old, and I need to make the best decision for Ben Simmons,” Simmons said. “It’s not fun going out there, not being able to move, not be able to jump, or, you know, take hits. There’s no fun in that. Sometimes you got to make a decision with how you feel and what’s best for yourself. And that’s what I’ve done, and it’s not for everybody to really understand, because they’re not in my shoes.”
What’s Next on 76ers’ Schedule?
Simmons has been through plenty of events since entering the NBA in 2016. After bursting onto the scene as one of the 76ers’ stars alongside Joel Embiid in the late 2010s, he suffered a significant decline, as his offensive limitations, aside from passing, put a cap on his ceiling in the league.
Simmons possesses clear talent as a high-level playmaker and defender, thanks to his size and athleticism. However, his return to the league would require a team to embrace his overall skill set despite his weaknesses on the offensive side of the ball.
In the meantime, his former team continues to make progress as a potential playoff team this season. The squad currently has a 16-14 record this season, which ranks them sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. They share a tie with the Miami Heat while trailing the Orlando Magic by one game and the Toronto Raptors by 1.5 games.
Going through a three-game losing streak, the 76ers will seek a return to the win column in their upcoming matchups. They are on a three-game road trip where they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. ET, the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET, and the New York Knicks on Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
