‘That’s why I’m here’: Simmons declares plans in bid for NBA return
Ben Simmons is plotting his return to the NBA and has now officially declared his plans to end a 13-year Australian absence and debut for the Boomers.
The 30-year-old reportedly paid his own way to fly to Melbourne and take part in the camp, featuring Australia’s top male basketballers.
Ben Simmons working out in Melbourne. Ben Simmons
“That’s why I’m here - it’s a long way to fly just to not do it,” Simmons told 9News Melbourne as he walked into training on Tuesday.
Simmons has never played a senior international game for Australia, but did represent his country in under-age competitions.
Aussie superstar Josh Giddey said the former No.1 draft pick “looked really good” and should be back in the NBA this season.
“He’s obviously stayed in shape and been working out, but he looked really good today,” the Chicago Bulls star told 9News Melbourne’s Trent Kniese.
“I think he will be back there and it’s probably where he deserves to be.”
As for his plans to be back in the green and gold, Dyson Daniels said that it was up to Simmons, but a return with the Boomers appears likely.
“It’s up to him, but if he puts his hand up, he’ll be there,” Daniels said.
Reports from ESPN said Simmons has zero restrictions and has regained his athleticism, after multiple years of struggling with significant back injuries.
Simmons last played in the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, before stepping away from the league to get his health right.
During that break, he went all-in on his passion for fishing, joining the South Florida Sails in the Sports Fishing Championship.
Several NBA teams have expressed interest to Simmons’ camp about a return to the league and that he is open to signing a veteran minimum contract.
Simmons posted a photo of himself working out on a court in Melbourne on Sunday, posting about his desire to return to the NBA.
“I wouldn’t change the story. The highs, the lows, the pain, the time, the lessons. I embrace all of it,” he wrote via Instagram.
“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 is the highest-paid Australian player of all-time, with an estimated $287 million in career earnings.
He signed a max deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, who drafted him with the No.1 overall pick a decade ago.
Simmons was selected for three NBA All-Star games between 2019 and 2021.
However, the decline of his physical and mental health culminated in a fracture between him and the 76ers, leading to him sitting out most of the 2022 season,
He was then traded to the Brooklyn Nets but never reached his previous heights.
Ben Simmons playing for the Brooklyn Nets. Getty Images
Simmons has previously stated he would be open to a return to Philadelphia, and that was before the team signed LeBron James for the 2026-2027 season.
Simmons and James are managed by the same firm, though the 76ers would have to clear a roster spot before being able to reunite him with Joel Embiid.
The player-led Boomers mini-camp in Melbourne also features Giddey, Daniels, Jock Landale, Patty Mills and more.
