Ben Simmons Faces Uncertainty Ahead of NBA Season
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, Ben Simmons has yet to confirm whether he will return to the court. According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the former first overall draft pick is contemplating his future in the league.
Simmons is currently a free agent, with the New York Knicks and one additional team expressing interest, although no formal agreement has surfaced.
Last season, Simmons played for both the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. He participated in 51 games, averaging 5.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 0.7 steals over 22 minutes per game, shooting 52 percent from the field. His contribution during the playoffs was minimal, as he only averaged 8.4 minutes across five games in the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets.
Interest from Multiple Teams
NBA insider Marc Stein reported in July that the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings had also shown interest, but none advanced discussions.
Key Takeaways
- Simmons is uncertain about playing in the upcoming season, despite interest from the Knicks and another team.
- Since 2016, he has participated in just 383 out of 719 available games, largely due to ongoing injuries.
- The Knicks are considered a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, with championship odds between +800 and +950 and a high likelihood of making the playoffs.
From Promising Talent to Injury Challenges
Simmons entered the NBA with great expectations after being drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016. He quickly made a mark by winning Rookie of the Year, earning three consecutive All-Star selections from 2018 to 2021, and receiving two First Team All-Defensive nods.
However, his career took a downturn in 2021 following a fallout with the 76ers, leading to a missed 2021-22 season due to a holdout and a back injury that required surgery. After being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in September 2022, his performance was inconsistent, leading to another back procedure that curtailed his 2023-24 season prematurely.
Assessing the Knicks’ Interest
With training camp beginning on September 24, the Knicks have one available roster spot. Given his previous connection to New York and his defensive capabilities, Simmons could be a valuable addition. However, concerns about his offensive skills linger, particularly under new head coach Mike Brown’s emphasis on spacing.
Financially, Simmons is likely seeking more than a minimum contract, posing a challenge for championship-minded teams like the Knicks, while teams in rebuilding phases lack incentive to add a player with his injury history. After the Clippers re-signed Chris Paul, Simmons’ options are becoming increasingly limited.
The Future for Simmons
This offseason, Simmons has been training to maintain his readiness, yet his status in the league remains unclear. Coaches and executives appreciate his defensive versatility and playmaking skills, but his long-standing back issues and hesitance to shoot from beyond the arc overshadow these strengths.
If granted the final roster spot by the Knicks, Simmons would likely serve in a backup role. If not, his chances in the NBA might dwindle. At 29 years old, this former Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star is faced with a significant decision: accept a reduced role with a contender like the Knicks or step away from professional basketball as the new season gets underway.
