Ben Simmons’ NBA hopes receive major update after return to pro basketball

Former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons is inching closer to a potential NBA return as he resumed full-time basketball activities and fields interest from teams.

Simmons could have been one of the biggest stars in basketball, but a combination of issues, primarily back injuries, ruined the upward trajectory of his career as he spent last season as a free agent.

The 30-year-old is ramping up his return to professional basketball this summer with a move he hadn’t attempted once in his career, despite it being open to him the entire time.

Ben Simmons joins the Australian national team camp at his own expense

Andscape is reporting that Simmons is joining their national team camp in August, has no physical restrictions, is paying out of his own pocket, while fielding interest from NBA teams as a free agent

“Free agent forward Ben Simmons is expected to be a full participant with ‘zero restrictions’ at a player-led private minicamp for the Australian men’s basketball team, beginning Monday in Melbourne.”

“Several NBA teams have expressed interest in Simmons, who is open to signing a minimum contract, according to sources. One source said he has a non-guaranteed offer on the table for minicamp with a Western Conference team.”

The former 76ers star refused to play with the Australian national team for his entire prime, with his last appearance with them coming in 2017.

The national team will be in action later this month for World Cup qualifiers. If Simmons makes it to the squad and plays, interested NBA teams will have in-game footage to rely on.

Simmons averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals over his NBA career, but 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over his last three seasons.

Returning to the NBA at 30 years old and being impactful is going to be incredibly difficult, but a fully healthy Simmons now might be better than the version of him we saw on the Nets and Clippers.

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