Ben Simmons believes he can be healthy enough to sign with an NBA team around the All-Star break if he continues to make progress in his rigorous rehabilitation program, the unrestricted free agent told Andscape in an exclusive interview.
The three-time All-Star spends six days a week doing two-day basketball, strength and rehab workouts in the Los Angeles area. Simmons is not on an NBA roster in December for the first time since being selected No. 1 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016. Simmons received free agency interest from the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics.
Meanwhile, Simmons has purchased the majority stake in the South Florida Sails in the Sport Fishing Championship. The avid fisherman joins celebrity owners including professional golfers Scottie Scheffler and Talor Gooch, NFL stars Randy Moss and Raheem Mostert, and NASCAR’s Austin Dillon in the competitive fishing competition.
‘I don’t think it’s normal [about] getting on a team,” Simmons said. “So if I played right now, I think I would fit right in in the NBA, given what I can do. But I want to give everything I can for the game. I don’t think there’s any point in just wasting a place to be out there.”
Simmons, 29, has battled persistent back injuries over the past two years that have limited his effectiveness. After being bought out by the Brooklyn Nets in February, he averaged just 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 18 games with the LA Clippers last season.
The Australian forward believes his rehabilitation approach was initially wrong and needed to be re-evaluated. He struggled with mobility and nerve problems running through his back and leg.
“The original time we approached a lot of my rehabilitation incorrectly,” Simmons said. “I could barely jump off or really move. So where I am now, I’m back on the court in the gym [six days per week]. It is also sometimes twice a day on the track. This is the best I’ve felt in terms of the work I’ve put into it.”
Simmons said he should have taken a longer break two years ago, but felt pressure to return under contract. He recalled waking up before Game 4 of the 2022 playoffs against the Celtics and could barely move.
“I woke up one day, this is before Game 4 against the Celtics when KD [Kevin Durant] and Kyrie [Irving] were there,” Simmons said. ‘I could barely get out of bed. My back wasn’t there.”
Simmons purchased the South Florida Sails franchise after spending time in Miami. The Sport Fishing Championship consists of 16 professional angling clubs in 11 states competing in tournaments for white marlin, blue marlin, sailfish and striped marlin.
“The way I see it, it’s like the new F1 [Formula 1] for fishing. The new LIV Wave for fishing,” said Simmons. ‘It’s a very niche sport. And if you don’t know, you don’t know. But once you experience it and go out and see what it’s about, you’re kind of in awe of what the sport is.”
Simmons owns a 55-foot Scout center console boat named “The Real One Fishing Club Boat.” He developed his passion for fishing as a child in Australia and spent summers in Miami pursuing the hobby.
Simmons returned to agent Rich Paul and Klutch Sports after parting ways with his original representative last summer. He said the decision to focus on his body required him to temporarily step away from basketball.
“For me, there was a trust,” Simmons said of Paul. ‘I think things happened where maybe it was good for the relationship that we moved on [separate] manners at that time. But at the same time, I developed a lot of love for Rich and Klutch just because I started there.”
Simmons averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 383 regular season games for Philadelphia, Brooklyn and the Clippers. He won the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year award and was a member of the NBA All-Defensive first team in 2020.
“My fans and the people who believe me believe in me for a reason,” Simmons said. ‘I’m not done yet. I have more to give.”
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