Ben Simmons has announced his return after a year-long sabbatical, with the former No.1 Draft pick preparing for not only an NBA comeback, but a potential opportunity to finally represent Australia on the Olympic stage in 2028.
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The three-time NBA All-Star and 2018 Rookie of the Year, who celebrated his 30th birthday last month, is firmly back in the spotlight as speculation builds over where the Melbourne-born star could land for his next move.
Simmons has not stepped on to an NBA court in 472 days, with his last appearance coming during the 2025 playoffs for the Los Angeles Clippers, who were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets.
But for the 432-game NBA veteran, his comeback has sparked another major talking point: could we finally see Simmons back in the green and gold?
Things kicked off earlier this week when Simmons took part in a star-studded Australian basketball scrimmage behind closed doors, his first contact on court since returning to training just four weeks ago. When asked whether he wanted to pursue a return to the Boomers, he made his intentions clear.
“I am. That’s why I’m here,” Simmons told 9News Melbourne.
Simmons’ absence from the national team has frustrated Australian basketball fans over the years.
In fact, his last appearance for the Boomers came almost 13 years ago against New Zealand at the FIBA Oceania Championships. Simmons has just 10 appearances in the green and gold across Australia’s senior and youth national teams.
From the outside, without the full context, it has always been easy to judge those decisions.
Over the years, Simmons has withdrawn or made himself unavailable for a variety of reasons, whether it be injuries, NBA commitments or focusing on his individual game.
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Simmons sat out the entire 2025-26 season as he continued to focus on his body and troublesome back, while also spending time pursuing one of his biggest passions away from basketball: fishing. He even won the Sports Fishing Championship Blue Marlin Open in May with the club he co-owns.
Speaking to Men’s Health in June, Simmons explained how the decision to step away for a season allowed him to regain a sense of control over his career and life.
“I feel like that moment when I decided [to sit out of the ’25–’26 season] and I had that control and power, that’s when [the weight] came off.” Simmons told Men’s Health.
“I plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my ass on the court, and then the team realising that my abilities will be needed,” he says.
For Simmons, any potential return to the Boomers starts with getting back into the NBA.
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Senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears, who initially broke the news that Simmons was eyeing a comeback, revealed on ESPN that the Australian already has an opportunity on the table.
“He does have an offer from a West team to come to a training camp,” he said.
“I think he [Simmons] is hoping if he plays well at this camp in front of [Adam] Caporn from the Wizards and other people with NBA ties at this camp, then perhaps it will lead to something else.
“There are a couple of other teams that are interested.”
So, where is the best landing spot for the Australian star? Several teams could use the services of the 30-year-old, but the reigning champions loom as an intriguing option, particularly after reportedly offering Simmons a contract he turned down last year.
NEW YORK KNICKS
New York could be one of the more intriguing destinations for Simmons, particularly given the history between the two sides.
The Knicks reportedly offered Simmons a one-year veteran minimum deal last off-season, which he ultimately turned down before sitting out the entire 2025-26 campaign.
A year later, circumstances have changed. New York is searching for additional frontcourt depth, and if the Knicks are prepared to revisit their interest, Simmons could provide an unconventional solution without being asked to rediscover his former All-Star scoring production.
At this stage of his career, Simmons’ value comes through his size, rebounding, defence and playmaking. In a limited role, potentially even spending minutes as a small-ball centre, the Knicks wouldn’t need him taking 10 or 15 shots a night.
The 2022-23 version of Simmons averaged 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 26.3 minutes per game for Brooklyn. Even if those numbers dropped significantly in a reduced role, that type of all-round production could still be valuable off New York’s bench.
There is also something intriguing about Simmons returning to New York after his difficult stint with the Nets, this time across town at Madison Square Garden. The expectations would be completely different. Defend, rebound, facilitate and create opportunities for others. If Simmons is willing to embrace that role, the Knicks could make considerably more sense this time around.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
The relationship between Simmons and Philadelphia ended dramatically in 2021, but enough time has passed that a reunion no longer feels completely impossible. Simmons himself has indicated he would consider returning, particularly with the regime involved in his turbulent departure no longer in place.
Philadelphia’s addition of LeBron James complicates the basketball fit, but Simmons could still provide valuable playmaking, size and defence off the bench without being asked to carry a significant offensive load.
The biggest hurdle may simply be whether both sides are genuinely prepared to leave the past behind. If they are, one of the NBA’s more unlikely reunions could become a legitimate possibility.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The obvious concern with Simmons in Golden State is shooting.
Adding another non-shooter to a roster featuring Draymond Green creates spacing questions, but there are elements of Simmons’ game that could make him an intriguing fit in Steve Kerr’s system.
At 6’10”, Simmons would give the Warriors another rebounder, defender and secondary ball-handler capable of pushing the pace in transition. With Al Horford now 40 and Kristaps Porzingis not known as an elite rebounder despite his size, there could be an opportunity for Simmons to provide something different in the frontcourt.
Golden State wouldn’t need him to score 15 points a night. Defend, rebound, create for others and run the floor. If Simmons can consistently do those things, there could be a role waiting for him.
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LOS ANGELES LAKERS
There is already some familiarity here.
Simmons played alongside current Lakers head coach JJ Redick during their time together in Philadelphia, while Los Angeles could use additional size and defensive versatility at power forward.
The fit offensively is far from perfect. Putting a reluctant perimeter shooter alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves could create spacing issues, particularly in half-court situations.
Los Angeles would also need to create a roster spot following a busy off-season.
But if Redick believes he can find the right role for his former teammate, Simmons’ ability to defend multiple positions, handle the ball and rebound could make him an interesting low-risk addition.
AND AFTER THE NBA? WELL…
So while Simmons begins his journey back to the NBA, another road is opening alongside it: Los Angeles 2028.
Simmons has now publicly stated his desire to represent Australia, adding another fascinating element to what will already be an incredibly difficult selection process for Boomers head coach Adam Caporn.
Australia’s talent pool continues to grow, and Simmons will have no shortage of competition for a place on the Olympic roster. Tyrese Proctor, newly naturalised Australian Bryce Cotton and Boomers legend Patty Mills are among the names in an increasingly deep guard rotation, before even considering the country’s emerging generation.
But if Simmons can return to the NBA, stay healthy and rediscover anything close to the form that made him a three-time All-Star, he will make himself extremely difficult to overlook.