Ben Simmons discusses NBA comeback, mentions possible Sixers return

The Ben Simmons saga is one of the most documented stories in the history of Philadelphia sports. The former No. 1 overall pick made a big impact with the 76ers as he won Rookie of the Year in 2018, was named an All-Star three times, made an All-NBA Team in 2020, and was named to the All-Defensive First Team twice.

Simmons was blinding quick with the basketball, stood at 6-foot-10, and offered a unique blend of speed, size, and athleticism to the point guard spot. He was a matchup nightmare for everybody despite the lack of a jumper and he made the Sixers a better team because of his skillset.

However, things turned sour in 2021 when he passed up the dunk in Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks. Dealing with a lot mentally and physically with the back issues, Simmons requested a trade and was then sent to the Brooklyn Nets in the James Harden deal in 2022. He spent the 2024-25 season with the Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers before sitting out the 2025-26 season.

Now, Simmons is thinking comeback and the Sixers are on his mind. In an interview with Men’s Health Magazine, Simmons stated:

“I plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my ass on the court, and then the team realizing that my abilities will be needed,” he says. “I don’t have a plan on where.” He feels like he still has a lot to offer teams (“You can’t teach 6’10” and IQ,” he says), and he’s been talking to coaches who have told him to get healthy, because if he’s healthy, he has a spot. “Maybe I’ll go back to Philly,” he says. “Miami would be nice. And not because it’s Miami—I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organization, I like the culture.”

“I plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my ass on the court, and then the team realizing that my abilities will be needed,” he says. “I don’t have a plan on where.” He feels like he still has a lot to offer teams (“You can’t teach 6’10” and IQ,” he says), and he’s been talking to coaches who have told him to get healthy, because if he’s healthy, he has a spot. “Maybe I’ll go back to Philly,” he says. “Miami would be nice. And not because it’s Miami—I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organization, I like the culture.”

In 275 games for the Sixers, Simmons averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. He was terrific in so many different areas on a nightly basis and Philadelphia should probably welcome back a player of his stature–if he’s physically healthy and willing to accept a minimum deal–in an effort to climb up the ladder in the East.