Ben Simmons’ Potential NBL Return: A Path to the 2028 Olympics?

After a turbulent period in the NBA, disgruntled star Ben Simmons is being urged to revive his career in Australia, with a potential return to the NBL as a step toward fulfilling his Olympic dream for the Boomers in 2028. The 29-year-old, who has not played in the NBA since the 2021-2022 season, has faced ongoing challenges with his physical and mental health, as well as a reputation for poor three-point shooting. However, prominent figures in Australian basketball believe he still has the talent to make a significant impact.

Simmons’ Journey and Challenges

Simmons, a three-time NBA All-Star and 2016 draft No. 1 pick, has seen his career unravel in recent years. After signing a five-year, $250 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, he clashed with the franchise and was eventually traded to the Brooklyn Nets before being waived in 2022. His NBA career, marked by defensive prowess and playmaking, has been hindered by a lack of perimeter shooting and off-court issues. Since leaving the league, Simmons has turned to professional sport fishing, owning the South Florida Sails in the Professional Fishing Association, a move that has drawn both curiosity, and critique.

Calls for a Return to Australian Basketball

Australian basketball icon Andrew Gaze, a former NBA player and current NBL legend, has voiced confidence in Simmons’ ability to thrive in the NBL. “If he has the desire, there’s no doubt in my mind he could still play at a high level,” Gaze told The Age. “He’s a superstar. He would dominate this competition.” Gaze emphasized that Simmons’ “Magic Johnson-type skills” could revitalize the NBL, though he acknowledged the need for the player to address his shooting inconsistencies.

David Patrick, Simmons’ godfather and assistant coach of the Boomers, has also encouraged the star to consider a return to Australia. “He wants to wear the Australian singlet,” Patrick said on The Cut to the Jase podcast. “The Olympics is kind of his goal.” Patrick highlighted that Simmons’ maturity and desire to represent his country could drive a career resurgence, though he stressed the importance of physical and mental readiness.

The NBL’s Potential Role

While no official NBL offers have been announced, sources suggest Simmons would be a major draw if he expressed interest. An anonymous club owner told The Age that “he’d be a massive drawcard.” The NBL has historically been a launchpad for Australian stars, and Simmons’ return could elevate the league’s profile. However, the league would need to navigate logistical challenges, including his current absence from competitive play and health concerns.

Looking Ahead to the 2028 Olympics

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remain a distant but achievable target for Simmons. To qualify, he would need to rejoin a professional league, regain his form, and secure a spot on the Boomers. Gaze argued that Simmons’ “tools” are still present, but emphasized the urgency of action. “He needs to return to the court soon,” he said. With the Olympics just over five years away, the window for a comeback is narrow but not impossible.

Key Takeaways

• Ben Simmons has not played in the NBA since 2022 and has shifted focus to professional fishing.
• Australian basketball figures, including Andrew Gaze and David Patrick, believe Simmons could revive his career in the NBL.
• The NBL would likely welcome Simmons, but his return depends on his willingness to re-engage with basketball.
• Qualifying for the 2028 Olympics would require Simmons to regain form and address his shooting struggles.

As Simmons navigates his next chapter, the prospect of a NBL return and Olympic push remains a tantalizing possibility. Whether he chooses to re-engage with the sport will depend on his personal goals, health, and the support of those around him. For now, the basketball world watches closely, hoping for a redemption arc that could redefine his legacy.