Ben Simmons is already back in the gym working out, but his on-and-off starts over the years have some wondering if playing in the NBA is still a long way off.
Well, wonder no more.
Hoopshype’s Michael Scott told sources he believes Simmons “loves the NBA lifestyle too much” to consider retiring as he continues to battle a back injury.
Simmons has appeared in just 57 games over the past three seasons due to a holdout with the Philadelphia 76ers and lingering injuries. He has been suffering from recurring back pain and underwent a microscopic partial discectomy in March.
The three-time All-Star has already posted workout videos and should be in good shape for the start of the 2024-25 season. The Nets owe Simmons $40.3 million in 2024-25, the final year of his five-year, $177.2 million contract. The contract, signed when Simmons was one of the NBA’s best young players, became an albatross as he collected money while having little impact on the court.
Simmons played in 15 games this season, averaging 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. Simmons still has a level of versatility that can help the team, but he has largely given up on developing as a scorer. Since arriving in Brooklyn in 2021-22, Simmons has averaged just 6.7 points per game, less than half of his career average (14.4 PPG).
Unless he miraculously returns to form, Simmons’ NBA lifestyle will take a big hit starting in the 2025-26 season. It’s hard to imagine a team offering him anything more than a veteran minimum contract until he can prove he’s healthy.
