After recently telling Andscape’s Marc J. Spears that he’s still working toward a possible return to the NBA, former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star Ben Simmons further opened up about his situation in a conversation with The Athletic’s Sam Jane.
Simmons explained that his decision to remain unsigned is rooted in ongoing physical challenges, specifically those that have affected his career and daily life for years.
He described how the discomfort has extended beyond the court and affected routine activities and travel.
“(It’s) one of those things where you have to deal with it every day, sitting down, going to sleep, flying on planes,” the player said. “People don’t understand that.”
Simmons noted that he made a conscious decision after the 2024-25 season to move away from immediate contract talks and instead focus on a longer recovery process.
Rather than rush back and risk another setback, he wanted to give his body the time it needs to fully recover. While training in Los Angeles, his goal was to get back to a point where injuries would be less likely to derail his career.
“I’m about to turn 30 years old and I have to make the best decision for Ben Simmons,” he said. “It’s no fun going out there, not being able to move, not being able to jump, or, you know, taking hits. There’s no fun in that.
“Sometimes you have to make a decision based on how you feel and what’s best for yourself. And that’s what I did, and it’s not for everyone to really understand because they’re not in my shoes.”
Ben Simmons is focused on getting rid of his back pain: https://t.co/Vnh4gKMlxK
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 31, 2025
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