The Road Back: Simmons Trains with Australia for NBA Shot

TL;DR: Ben Simmons is attempting an NBA comeback by joining the Australian national team minicamp in August 2026, signaling to franchises that he is serious about returning to professional basketball. Multiple NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors, have reportedly expressed interest in the former All-Star guard, who hasn’t played competitively since his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets ended. The Australian stint represents Simmons’ most visible basketball activity in years and could serve as the bridge back to an NBA roster.

Ben Simmons is making his most public push for an NBA return yet. The former No. 1 overall pick has committed to training with the Australian national team at their upcoming minicamp, according to a report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. The move places Simmons back in the basketball spotlight after a prolonged period away from competitive play.

Simmons, who last appeared in an NBA game during the 2022-23 season with the Brooklyn Nets, has spent the better part of three years away from the league. His absence was defined by a series of back injuries, mental health struggles, and a highly publicized rift with the Philadelphia 76ers following their 2021 playoff exit. Now, at 30 years old, the Australian-born guard is betting on international basketball to reopen doors that once seemed permanently closed.

Quick Answer

Ben Simmons is joining the Australian Boomers for a national team minicamp in August 2026, as first reported by ESPN. The training stint is designed to showcase his fitness and readiness to NBA teams, several of which have reportedly expressed interest in signing the former three-time All-Star. The move marks the most significant step in Simmons’ long-discussed comeback attempt.

Why Australia and Why Now?

Australia holds deep personal and professional significance for Simmons. Born in Melbourne, he represented the Boomers at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021) and has long maintained ties with Basketball Australia. Returning to the national team program offers Simmons a structured, high-level basketball environment without the immediate pressure of NBA contract negotiations.

According to industry data, international minicamps serve as de facto scouting showcases for unsigned NBA players. Teams send scouts to evaluate talent in competitive settings, and a strong showing with a national team carries more weight than private workouts. For Simmons, this is a calculated move — putting himself in a position where NBA decision-makers can evaluate his physical condition and skill level firsthand.

The timing also matters. The 2026 NBA offseason is in full swing, with teams still finalizing rosters ahead of training camp. Several franchises are looking for versatile defenders and playmakers who can fill specific roles, and Simmons’ unique skill set — when healthy — still fits that profile.

Which NBA Teams Are Interested in Simmons?

Research shows that at least one team has emerged as a frontrunner in the Simmons sweepstakes. The Golden State Warriors have been linked to Simmons, with Blue Man Hoop reporting that the franchise views him as a potential low-risk, high-reward addition. The Warriors’ system, which prioritizes switchability on defense and ball movement, could theoretically accommodate Simmons’ strengths.

Additional reports from Bolavip indicate that Simmons is generating interest from multiple franchises, though specific team names beyond the Warriors have not been confirmed publicly. The landscape of interest is consistent with what league insiders have described as a “wait-and-see” approach — teams want evidence that Simmons can stay healthy and committed before committing guaranteed money.

What Do the Warriors See in Simmons?

Golden State’s interest stems from several factors. The Warriors have long valued versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions, and Simmons remains one of the most physically gifted perimeter defenders in NBA history. At 6-foot-10 with elite lateral quickness, his defensive profile is tailor-made for modern switching schemes.

Offensively, the fit is more complicated. Simmons’ refusal to shoot jump shots — particularly three-pointers — has been a defining limitation throughout his career. However, Golden State’s offensive architecture, anchored by Stephen Curry’s gravity and Draymond Green’s playmaking, could reduce the pressure on Simmons to be a scoring threat. His ability to push pace in transition, make skip passes, and cut to the rim could complement the Warriors’ style without requiring him to develop a jump shot.

What Challenges Does Simmons Face in His NBA Comeback?

The road back to the NBA is steep for Simmons, and several significant obstacles remain. Physical health tops the list. Simmons’ back issues — including a herniated disc that required surgical intervention — have been the primary barrier to his return. NBA teams will demand medical clearance and evidence of sustained basketball activity before making any commitments.

Mental readiness is equally critical. Simmons has been open about his struggles with anxiety and mental health, which contributed to his extended absence from the game. Any NBA team considering signing him will want assurance that he is in the right headspace to handle the scrutiny and pressure of professional basketball.

Challenge	Current Status	Impact on NBA Return
Back injury recovery	Reports indicate improved health	Critical — must pass physicals
Mental health	Has spoken about ongoing management	High — teams want commitment assurance
Jump shot development	No public evidence of improvement	Moderate — limits offensive role
Game conditioning	Australia minicamp designed to address	High — must prove stamina
Competitive rust	Has not played NBA game since 2022-23	Significant — game speed takes time

What Is Ben Simmons’ NBA Career Legacy So Far?

Before discussing his future, it’s worth contextualizing Simmons’ NBA career to this point. Selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons was billed as a generational talent — a 6-foot-10 point guard with Magic Johnson’s court vision and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s physical tools. His resume includes:

• Three NBA All-Star selections (2019, 2020, 2021)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (2018)
• All-NBA Third Team (2020)
• NBA All-Defensive First Team twice (2020, 2021)
• Career averages of 14.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game

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