“I’ll have time to mature and develop, and one day, hopefully, I can bring a ring to wherever I am.” Ben Simmons once shared this mindset while looking ahead to the start of his NBA career.
Now, after spending a long period away from the NBA, it seems that mentality may still be driving him as he hints at a possible return to the court.
Ben Simmons Hints at an NBA Return Amid NBA Comeback Rumors
Simmons took to Instagram, where he posted a photo of himself standing near a basketball hoop. While he did not directly announce a comeback, the post caught attention for its timing and caption.
“I wouldn’t change the story. The highs, the lows, the pain, the time, the lessons. I embrace all of it. 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,” Simmons captioned his post.
Ben Simmons Via IG:
“I wouldn’t change the story. The highs, the lows, the pain, the lessons — I embrace it all.”
“Grateful for where I’ve been, proud of where I stand, and ready for what’s next.” pic.twitter.com/FS7f07TIkX
— 76ersMuse (@76ersMuse) August 9, 2026
Simmons’ comments come amid reports linking him with a return to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he started his NBA career and earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors twice.
The three-time All-Star has been away from the NBA since his stint with the Los Angeles Clippers after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets during the 2024-25 season. He appeared in 18 games for the Clippers that season and averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
The 30-year-old then sat out the entire 2025-26 season by choice. After years of dealing with back and nerve issues that affected his performance, he decided to focus on getting his body right. He even declined a minimum one-year offer from the New York Knicks and chose not to sign with another team.
During his time away from basketball, Simmons joined the professional fishing world as a co-owner and angler for the South Florida Sails Angling Club. Back in May 2026, Simmons helped the South Florida Sails capture the Sport Fishing Championship Blue Marlin Open at Walker’s Cay in the Bahamas.
Still, basketball has not appeared to be completely out of his mind. Simmons had already hinted at a potential comeback last December.
“I’m about to be 30 years old, and I need to make the best decision for Ben Simmons. It’s not fun going out there, not being able to move, not be able to jump, or, you know, take hits,” Simmons told The Athletic.
But that return never happened. Now, with the 2026-27 season approaching, Simmons has another chance to make his intentions clear.
