Ben Simmons aiming to make NBA return this season

Free agent Ben Simmons isn’t done with the NBA. He’s just not rushing back.

Simmons told Marc J. Spears of Andscape that he hopes to return sometime this season, but only if his body is right. Fully right.

“I can go out and play and probably do really well,” Simmons said, via Spears. “But I want to get my body to the best it’s been. I don’t think it’s good for anybody if I’m out there and I’m not 100 percent.”

That mindset marks a shift from the uncertainty that followed last season, when a report surfaced suggesting Simmons was at least weighing retirement. His comments now make clear the focus is rehabilitation, not walking away.

Simmons split last season between Brooklyn and Los Angeles, appearing in 51 games — his highest total since his last All-Star year in 2020–21. Even then, he said, his body never fully cooperated.

“I could barely really move how I wanted to,” Simmons said. “I don’t want to go out there knowing I can give more and not be able to do it.”

Back injuries have been the central issue. Simmons has undergone two procedures and said a revamped rehab approach has made a noticeable difference.

He’s currently working out twice a day, six days a week, and feels better physically and mentally than he has in years.

Simmons also rejoined Klutch Sports, re-signing with Rich Paul after parting ways with Bernie Lee.

“I needed time to get my body right,” Simmons said. “That was the priority.”

As for a timeline?

“Maybe halfway through this year, if not next season,” he said. “I haven’t had any setbacks.”

For Simmons, the return isn’t about proving anything. It’s about finally feeling right again.