MELBOURNE — Ben Simmons will participate without restrictions in an Australian men's national team minicamp starting Monday in Melbourne, a significant step in the former Philadelphia 76ers star's attempt to return to the NBA.
The unrestricted status matters. Simmons' career has been repeatedly interrupted by persistent back problems, limiting his availability and effectiveness over recent seasons. Full participation gives him a chance to demonstrate sustained health to prospective teams — something they have not seen from him in years.
Simmons is currently an NBA free agent. Several NBA teams have already expressed interest, and one Western Conference club has reportedly extended a training camp invitation.
Central to his comeback is his willingness to sign for the veteran minimum. That positions him as a low-risk acquisition. His value now hinges not on his past All-Star resume but on whether his health, defense, size and playmaking can justify a cost-effective roster spot.
Simmons' NBA career began with the 76ers selecting him No. 1 overall in the 2016 draft. After missing his first season due to injury, he quickly became one of the league's most distinctive young players. He earned Rookie of the Year honors and went on to earn three All-Star selections, an All-NBA team nod and two All-Defensive team spots. Across 275 regular-season games with Philadelphia, he averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists.
His combination of size, transition playmaking and elite defense made him a foundational piece alongside Joel Embiid. That level of performance became harder to find after he left Philadelphia.
The 76ers traded Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets in Feb. 2022 as part of the deal that sent James Harden to Philadelphia. Back trouble plagued him throughout his time in Brooklyn. His tenure there ended with a contract buyout in Feb. 2025. In his final season with the Nets, he averaged 6.2 points and 6.9 assists in 33 appearances. He then signed with the Los Angeles Clippers and finished the 2024-25 season there before entering free agency and sitting out the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
The minicamp is his first competitive proving ground in that stretch. NBA teams will be watching his physical condition and on-court performance closely. The talent and the track record exist. The only question is whether his body can hold up.
