Ben Simmons at 30 attempts NBA comeback: From No. 1 overall pick to three-time All-Star, he says "even the minimum salary is fine"

*This content was translated by AI.

Once hailed as one of the greatest talents in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Ben Simmons has set aside his pride to return to the court.

Reuters reported on the 11th (Korean time) that "Simmons is currently training without any restrictions and is aiming for an NBA comeback."

Turning 30 last month, Simmons is now participating in a private mini-camp led by players from Australia's Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team in Melbourne.

Most importantly, his recovery of physical condition is positive. The media emphasized that Simmons is currently training normally without any special restrictions.

As a point guard, Simmons was recognized for his exceptional skills and potential, earning three NBA All-Star selections. However, he has suffered from major and minor injuries throughout his career and recently had to focus on long-term rehabilitation.

Reuters explained that "Simmons did not appear in a single NBA game during the 2025–2026 season as he worked to recover from back injuries and other ailments that plagued him throughout his career."

The last time Simmons stepped onto an NBA court was in April 2025, when he played for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Nevertheless, he has begun taking steps to return to the NBA despite the long absence.

His efforts are immense. According to reports, Simmons, who resides in Miami, Florida, has primarily conducted individual training locally. He reportedly traveled to Melbourne at his own expense to participate in the Australian national team camp held this week.

Fortunately, several NBA teams have also shown interest in Simmons.

Simmons himself appears focused more on returning to the court than on past fame or high salary demands.

Reuters stated that "it is known that Simmons is willing to accept a minimum-salary contract," adding that "a source indicated that one team from the Western Conference has offered him a non-guaranteed deal."

It further reported that "Simmons aims not only for an NBA comeback but also to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles (LA) Olympics."

After playing at Louisiana State University (LSU), Simmons was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft. Although his debut was delayed by one season due to injury, he delivered outstanding performances during the 2017–2018 season and won Rookie of the Year honors.

He was subsequently selected as an NBA All-Star three times and named to the All-Defensive Team twice, establishing himself as a top-tier player in the league.

However, injuries once again held him back. Since the 2018–2019 season, Simmons has never played more than 58 games in any single season. This time, he is aiming for redemption. Once boasting credentials as the No. 1 overall pick and a three-time All-Star, Simmons is now embarking on another comeback attempt, even accepting a minimum-salary contract to return to the NBA.

Throughout his career, Simmons has played for Philadelphia (2017–2021), Brooklyn Nets (2022–2025), and the Los Angeles Clippers (2025), appearing in 383 NBA games in total. He started in 344 of those games, averaging 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game over his career.

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*This content was translated by AI.