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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.<\/p>\n
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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?<\/p>\n Things kicked off earlier this week when Simmons took part in a star-studded Australian basketball scrimmage<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI am. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here,\u201d Simmons told 9News Melbourne.<\/p>\n Simmons\u2019 absence from the national team has frustrated Australian basketball fans over the years.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s senior and youth national teams.<\/p>\n From the outside, without the full context, it has always been easy to judge those decisions.<\/p>\n Over the years, Simmons has withdrawn or made himself unavailable for a variety of reasons, whether it be injuries, NBA commitments or focusing on his individual game.<\/p>\n BREAKING: NBA\u2019s triple-double king Russell Westbrook springs shock retirement<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Speaking to Men\u2019s Health<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel like that moment when I decided [to sit out of the \u201925\u2013\u201926 season] and I had that control and power, that\u2019s when [the weight] came off.\u201d Simmons told Men\u2019s Health.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n For Simmons, any potential return to the Boomers starts with getting back into the NBA.<\/p>\n \u2018Shocker\u2019: Disney titan, World Cup plotter behind bombshell NBA sale as Trump denies $12b link<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears, who initially broke the news that Simmons was eyeing a comeback<\/a>, revealed on ESPN that the Australian already has an opportunity on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cHe does have an offer from a West team to come to a training camp,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are a couple of other teams that are interested.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n NEW YORK KNICKS<\/b> The Knicks reportedly offered Simmons a one-year veteran minimum deal<\/a> last off-season, which he ultimately turned down before sitting out the entire 2025-26 campaign. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n At this stage of his career, Simmons\u2019 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\u2019t need him taking 10 or 15 shots a night.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s bench.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n PHILADELPHIA 76ERS<\/b><\/p>\n Philadelphia\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The biggest hurdle may simply be whether both sides are genuinely prepared to leave the past behind. If they are, one of the NBA\u2019s more unlikely reunions could become a legitimate possibility.<\/p>\n GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS<\/b><\/p>\n The obvious concern with Simmons in Golden State is shooting.<\/p>\n Adding another non-shooter to a roster featuring Draymond Green creates spacing questions, but there are elements of Simmons\u2019 game that could make him an intriguing fit in Steve Kerr\u2019s system.<\/p>\n At 6\u201910\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n Golden State wouldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n