Ben Simmons is training in an attempt to make an NBA comeback.
"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,” Simmons told Clay Skipper of Men's Health.
Simmons hasn't played in the NBA since appearing in 51 games for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season. The three-time All-Star said he took last season off in hopes of putting himself "in the best position to play (again)."
The 2016 No. 1 pick has dealt with debilitating back issues since 2020. He said coaches have told him they believe he can still play NBA-caliber basketball when healthy.
Simmons wasn't sure where he might sign, but he brought up a familiar location.
"I don't have a plan on where. Maybe I'll go back to Philly," he said. "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."
The 29-year-old Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.2 assists, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across the seven NBA seasons he's played. He was named to the All-Defensive first team twice and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting for the 2020-21 season.
