{"id":318205,"date":"2026-08-10T23:40:18","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T23:40:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/318205\/"},"modified":"2026-08-10T23:40:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T23:40:18","slug":"former-nets-guard-ben-simmons-attempting-nba-comeback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/318205\/","title":{"rendered":"Former Nets Guard Ben Simmons Attempting NBA Comeback"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Brooklyn Nets acquired Ben Simmons in February 2022, breaking up their infamous Big 3<\/a> in a move that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers.<\/p>\n

Simmons was supposed to help the Nets form a new Big 3 alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving and perhaps help the team improve a glaring area of weakness, which was their defense.<\/p>\n

However, Simmons struggled to stay healthy throughout his time in Brooklyn and eventually found himself out of the league before the age of 30, though he’s attempting<\/a> to make a comeback, according to ESPN Andscape’s Marc J. Spears.<\/p>\n

“Free agent forward Ben Simmons is expected to be a full participant with “zero restrictions” at a player-led private minicamp for the Australian men’s basketball team, beginning Monday in Melbourne, a source told ESPN Andscape on Sunday,” Spears wrote.<\/p>\n

“Several NBA teams have expressed interest in Simmons, who is open to signing a minimum contract, according to sources. One source said he has a non-guaranteed offer on the table for minicamp with a Western Conference team.”<\/p>\n

Simmons has apparently regained his athleticism, which helped him attack the rim relentlessly, push the pace and be an active menace on defense during his prime.<\/p>\n

However, he doesn’t offer much in the scoring department and looked apprehensive to shoot the ball at times, much to the chagrin of fans of the teams he’s played on.<\/p>\n

Simmons had all the makings of becoming a generational star after being selected No. 1 overall by Philadelphia in 2016, winning Rookie of the Year during the 2017-18 season after missing what would’ve been his rookie season, making three All-Star teams and being named to one All-NBA team.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, persistent back injuries took a lot out of his game, and he was never able to fully find himself physically or mentally on the basketball court.<\/p>\n

At this stage of his career, though, Simmons would not be looked upon as a face of the franchise or even a starting-caliber player. Instead, he could use his playmaking and defensive skills to be a reliable role player.<\/p>\n

Though a few NBA teams could certainly give him a look, it’s highly unlikely the Nets would consider bringing Simmons back into the fold.<\/p>\n

The Nets seem poised to let Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. run the show this season while letting Egor D\u00ebmin and Mikel Brown Jr. develop at a pace they feel comfortable with.<\/p>\n

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