Ben Simmons on possible NBA return: ‘I need to make the best decision for Ben Simmons’

Current free agent Ben Simmons says patience has become part of the plan.

Simmons recently confirmed to Marc J. Spears of Andscape that he is still working toward a potential NBA comeback, but he explained to Sam Jane of The Athletic why he has felt no urgency to sign a new contract.

Recurring back issues, Simmons told Jane, have forced him to live with pain on a daily basis for several years, not just on the court but off it as well.

“It’s one of those things where you’re dealing with it every day,” Simmons said. “Sitting down, going to sleep, flying on planes. People don’t understand that.”

Simmons added that he decided it made more sense to step back for an extended rehab period following the 2024-25 season rather than rush into another situation and report to training camp less than fully healthy.

As he continues working out in Los Angeles, his goal is to build his body to a point where setbacks are less likely.

“I’m about to be 30 years old, and I need to make the best decision for Ben Simmons,” he said. “It’s not fun going out there not being able to move or jump or take hits. There’s no fun in that.”

Simmons acknowledged that not everyone will agree with his approach. But he believes it is the right one for where he is in his career and his life.

“Sometimes you have to make a decision based on how you feel and what’s best for yourself,” he said. “That’s what I’ve done.”