Former Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons took the league by storm when he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in 2016. After missing the entirety of his first season due to injury, he won Rookie of the Year in the 2017-18 season, was named an All-Star three times, was named to an All-Defensive Team twice, and then was named to an All-NBA Team in 2020.
Simmons garnered 32 triple-doubles in his career in Philadelphia which ranks second in the franchise’s history behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s 62. He averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in 275 games with the Sixers.
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Unfortunately, back injuries, mental health problems, and a lack of a jump shot overtook him, and he was unable ever to repeat that type of performance. After the infamous play where he passed up a dunk in Game 7 of the 2021 semifinals, the Sixers traded him to the Brooklyn Nets at the 2022 deadline and only played 90 games for the Nets before playing 18 with the Los Angeles Clippers to end the 2024-25 season.
It is a steep fall from grace for one of the better players in the league at his peak, but he is currently working on a comeback. Per The Athletic, the latest on Simmons is:
Before he attempts another comeback, Simmons said he is training in Los Angeles with the goal of becoming “bulletproof” to avoid further setbacks. He also said his shot finally feels good and that he can now take a simple hook shot without any discomfort.
For now, Simmons is focused on fishing. The native Australian purchased an ownership stake in one of the team-fishing league’s franchises, the South Florida Sails Angling Club–part of the Sports Fishing Championship. It remains to be seen if the former All-Star guard will ever be in the NBA again, but Simmons is working hard to remain ready for the next opportunity.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Former Sixers star Ben Simmons gives update on comeback from injury
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