Simmons Is Back: Zero Restrictions, Maximum Stakes, and a Boomers Dream
Ben Simmons is officially back in the building. The 30-year-old free agent forward is expected to be a full participant with "zero restrictions" at a player-led private minicamp for the Australian men's basketball team, which tips off Monday in Melbourne, a source told ESPN Andscape on Sunday.
This isn't just any minicamp. This is Simmons proving he's still that guy. After sitting out the entire 2025-26 NBA season to finally let his back and other injuries heal, Simmons is showing up in front of his home country with something to prove.
His last NBA action came with the LA Clippers, where he landed in February 2025 after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets. In a Clippers uniform, Simmons appeared in 18 regular-season games and another five in the playoffs. Not huge numbers, but enough to remind folks of the talent that once made him a No. 1 overall pick.
The NBA is still watching
Don't think for a second the league has forgotten about him. Sources say multiple NBA teams have expressed interest in Simmons, who is open to signing a minimum contract. One source even noted a non-guaranteed offer is already on the table for minicamp from a Western Conference squad.
His godfather, David Patrick — an Arizona State assistant and assistant coach for the Australian national team — told Andscape that Simmons has regained his athleticism. Simmons has been putting in work primarily in Miami, where he lives. And he's not just showing up for a cameo. He paid his own way to be at this week's minicamp.
A Boomers reunion a decade in the making
Simmons, a Melbourne native, has his eyes locked on representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He's done this before — way back in 2013, as a 17-year-old, Simmons played for Australia at the FIBA Men's Oceania Championships. But despite the hype, he missed the next three Olympic cycles. Now, he's making his intentions crystal clear.
Let's remember the pedigree: No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft, 2018 Rookie of the Year, three straight All-Star selections from 2019 to 2021, an All-NBA Third Team nod in 2020, and two All-Defensive First Team selections. When healthy, Simmons was a genuine two-way nightmare.
But injuries have been cruel. He hasn't played more than 60 games in a season since 2018-19. Still, this renewed commitment to the Boomers could be the spark he needs to rewrite the narrative.
And off the court, Simmons is already building his next chapter. In December 2025, the avid fisherman purchased a 50% majority stake in the South Florida Sails Angling Club — a team that competes in the Sport Fishing Championship — making him the controlling operator. So yeah, he's got options. But right now, basketball is back on the menu.
The court is calling. The Boomers are waiting. And Ben Simmons just answered.