Ben Simmons Says Approach to Injury Rehab Was 'Wrong,' Gives Timeline for NBA Return
Ben Simmons has yet to sign with an NBA team, but the former All-Star still plans to continue playing.
In an interview with Andscape's Marc J. Spears, Simmons discussed his injury history, saying that his approach to rehab was "wrong."
"The original time we were just approaching a lot of my rehab wrong," he said. "And I don't think it was on the therapist. I just think we had to get a new set of eyes on it. And a lot of it was my mobility and that nerve running through your back, through my leg. I could barely jump off it or really move around."
As for when he plans to return to the court, Simmons said he hopes to be back on a roster "maybe halfway through this year, if not next season."
Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick in 2016, last played for the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of the 2024-25 campaign. He started last season on the Brooklyn Nets before being released by the team.
Simmons showed promise early on in his NBA career, earning three All-Star nods and making two NBA All-Defensive First Teams while a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. But things quickly went south for Simmons as injuries added up.
Simmons has not played more than 51 games since the 2019-2020 campaign. He missed all of the 2021-22 season, played 42 games in 2022-23, 15 in 2023-24 and 51 in 2024-25.
Simmons told Spears that he's capable of being on an NBA roster right now, but he wants to do more than just play in the NBA. He wants to thrive.
"I don't believe it's just [about] getting on a team," Simmons said. "So, if I were to play right now, I think I'd fit right into the NBA just given what I can do. But I want to give everything I can to the game. I don't think there's any point in just wasting a spot just to be out there. I think that's a little selfish. And there are guys that do it now. But that's what it is, the business.
"For me, I'm very blessed to not have to be in that situation where I need to fight right now. But I want to get to the best of my ability and physical peak to compete. Otherwise, it doesn't really serve me any purpose."
Simmons is still just 29 years old, so there's still time for him to make a comeback. If he's ready to return to a roster at some point this season, there will likely be plenty of teams that could use his help.
