August is the slow season for the NBA, so it’s hard to read too much into any rumors this time of year, but former Sixers star Ben Simmons has been back in the news recently. Apparently, he has regained his health and athleticism and is looking to get back into the league after an entire season off and just 108 total games played since his infamous Philly playoff debacle in 2021.
But word on the street is the three-time All-Star is expected to be a full participant for the upcoming Australian National Team camp with zero restrictions. There have also been reports that he’s hoping to sign with an NBA team before training camp, and he’d welcome a vet minimum contract.
He also recently had some praise for his old team, the 76ers, and offered that he may even go back there. He’s a Klutch client, much like new Sixer LeBron James, and there have been some whispers around the internet that a reunion could be on the table for Simmons in Philadelphia, as they still have an open roster spot.
Simmons going back to Philly would be pure comedy
And while this may be an extremely long shot, it’s a reunion that every Celtics fan should be rooting for wholeheartedly. That Philly team is already trying to bring a lot of big egos and personalities together on the fly; adding Simmons as he tries to make an NBA comeback would just be one more hilarious twist for them to work through.
On top of that, the Sixers would be adding yet another primary ballhandler who’s not much of a threat off the ball and poses zero threat to shoot whatsoever. Sure, if he can still play, he’d probably be their best defender, but the offensive fit would be beyond clunky.
And that doesn’t even speak to the awkwardness of him returning to Philly after the coach and superstar basically threw him under the bus after he turtles in a playoff series against the Hawks, notably passing up a wide-open dunk with only Trae Young in the vicinity just to kick it to Matisse Thybulle in the corner.
After that, he essentially held out, refusing to report to the Sixers and forcing them to trade him. Things have only gone downhill since then for Simmons, spending four lackluster seasons on and off the court for the Nets and Clippers.
Now 30 years old, it’s hard to imagine Simmons would bring anything to Philadelphia beyond drama and distractions. Which is exactly why Celtics fans should be rooting for it to happen. The 76ers are talented, but they are going to amount to a traveling circus this season, and Simmons would essentially just be the court jester. Please make it happen.
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