Ben Simmons, once hailed as one of the most promising young stars in the NBA, is now at the center of growing speculation about whether he might retire early. With a career plagued by injuries, performance issues, and public criticism, fans and experts are now asking a difficult question: Is Ben Simmons about to retire from basketball?
Let’s take a deep dive into his journey, the current rumors about retirement, and what could lie ahead for the former No. 1 draft pick.
Who Is Ben Simmons?
Ben Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player who made headlines when he was selected as the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Standing at 6’10” with elite passing skills and athleticism, Simmons was often compared to greats like Magic Johnson and LeBron James in his early career.
His rookie season in 2017–2018 was a breakout year. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award and helped lead the Sixers to the playoffs. With multiple All-Star appearances and a reputation as a strong defender, Simmons was once seen as a cornerstone player for the future.
However, things started to go downhill quickly.
The Rise and Fall: A Career Full of Highs and Lows
Early Success
- 2016: Drafted first overall by the 76ers
- 2017–18: Won NBA Rookie of the Year
- 2019–2021: Named an NBA All-Star three times
- Recognized as one of the best defenders in the league
The Downward Spiral
Despite his early success, fans and analysts began to criticize Simmons for one major issue: his shooting. In a league that increasingly values shooting ability, Simmons struggled. He avoided taking shots, especially from long range, and his free throw percentage remained poor.
Things took a major turn in the 2021 NBA playoffs. In a crucial Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks, Simmons passed up an open dunk late in the game. This single moment led to widespread backlash from fans and media alike.
Following that playoff collapse, Simmons requested a trade and later refused to report to training camp. This began a long standoff between him and the Sixers.
The Move to Brooklyn Nets
In early 2022, Ben Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for James Harden. Many hoped that a fresh start would help him regain his form. However, things didn’t go as planned.
Simmons didn’t play for the rest of the 2021–22 season due to back injuries and mental health concerns. When he finally returned in the 2022–23 season, he played limited minutes and struggled to have any real impact. His numbers dropped drastically across the board.
By the 2023–24 season, Simmons once again faced injury problems, specifically with his back. He played in only a handful of games before being ruled out for the rest of the season due to nerve irritation in his lower back.
Is Ben Simmons Retire Really Happening?
The rumors about Ben Simmons retiring started to grow louder after the 2023–24 season. Here are some of the key reasons why people believe he might be done with the NBA:
1. Ongoing Injury Issues
Simmons has had chronic back problems for years. He underwent back surgery in 2022, but the issues persisted. Athletes with long-term back injuries often struggle to return to peak form.
2. Mental Health Challenges
Simmons has been open about dealing with mental health issues. Taking care of one’s mental well-being is crucial, and many believe that the pressure of playing in the NBA might no longer be healthy for him.
3. Lack of Production
When Simmons has played, his performance hasn’t been at the level expected of a former All-Star. His confidence on the court seems low, and he has not shown signs of returning to his old form.
4. Uncertain Team Role
The Brooklyn Nets have moved on to a new core of players. Simmons no longer fits into their long-term plans, and it’s unclear which team, if any, would be willing to take a chance on him.
What Have the Nets Said?
The Brooklyn Nets front office has remained vague when asked about Simmons’ future. In a recent press conference, Nets GM Sean Marks stated:
“Our priority is Ben’s health and making sure he gets back to 100%. Beyond that, we’ll evaluate what makes sense for the team and for Ben.”
This type of response does not sound very optimistic. It suggests that even the Nets are unsure if Simmons will play again.
Simmons’ Silence on Retirement
Ben Simmons himself has not made any official statement about retiring. His representatives have also declined to comment on the speculation. However, the silence only adds fuel to the fire. Many former athletes have quietly stepped away from the game without formal announcements.
What Could Retirement Mean for Simmons?
If Ben Simmons does retire, it would mark one of the most dramatic falls from grace in recent NBA history. But retirement doesn’t have to be a negative end.
Possible Future Paths for Simmons:
- Rehabilitation and Coaching: He could take time off to heal and possibly return in a non-playing role. His basketball IQ makes him a potential fit for coaching or development roles.
- Mental Health Advocacy: Simmons could use his platform to promote mental health awareness in sports.
- Media and Business Ventures: Many athletes have successfully transitioned into sports commentary, business ownership, or fashion brands.
NBA Reactions: What Players and Analysts Are Saying
Retirement rumors have sparked conversations among NBA players and analysts.
- Charles Barkley: “I feel for the kid. But at some point, you’ve got to play or move on.”
- JJ Redick: “Ben is still young. I hope he finds peace, whether it’s on the court or off it.”
- Draymond Green: “Everyone’s so quick to judge, but people forget what this guy has been through.”
The overall sentiment is mixed. While some criticize his lack of aggression on the court, others show deep empathy for his struggles.
Can He Still Make a Comeback?
While many are focused on the idea of Ben Simmons retire, some fans still hold out hope for a comeback. After all, he’s only 28 years old. If he can get healthy and regain confidence, he might still have several good years left.
But the reality is tough:
- He hasn’t played consistently in over two years.
- His injuries don’t appear to be fully resolved.
- His role in today’s NBA is unclear, given his shooting limitations.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Ben Simmons
Whether or not Ben Simmons retires, his story is a cautionary tale and a reflection of the pressures modern athletes face. He was once seen as the future of the league—a player with size, skill, and star power. But the weight of expectations, injuries, and mental health battles created an uphill road.
If Simmons does choose to retire, it should not be viewed as a failure. Instead, it might be a necessary step toward personal healing and new beginnings.
Whatever he chooses, the world will be watching—and hoping he finds peace.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Simmons was once a top NBA prospect with multiple All-Star selections.
- His career has been slowed by injuries, especially chronic back problems.
- Mental health issues have played a major role in his recent time away from the game.
- Rumors about Ben Simmons retire are gaining traction, though no official announcement has been made.
- Simmons’ future may lie beyond the court, in advocacy, coaching, or other ventures.
Conclusion:
The question of “Ben Simmons retire” isn’t just about basketball—it’s about a young man at a crossroads in life. Whether he suits up again or chooses a different path, his journey has already left a lasting impact on the game and those who follow it.
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