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Ben Simmons may have spent the past year away from the NBA, but the former No. 1 overall pick says his playing career is not over.<\/p>\n
The Australian guard revealed that he intends to return to the league and is already beginning to think about where his next opportunity could come from. One team, in particular, stands out to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe I\u2019ll go back to Philly,\u201d Simmons said via Men\u2019s Health<\/a>. \u201cMiami would be nice. And not because it\u2019s Miami \u2013 I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organization, I like the culture.\u201d<\/p>\n Of course, Men\u2019s Health brought up the infamous passed up dunk \/ layup in 2021 against the Hawks that cost the 76ers a spot in the NBA Finals, and Simmons seemed to throw shade on former teammate Matisse Thybulle.<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t hitting my s\u2013t, so motherf\u2013ker, you knock it down!\u201d Simmons laughs. \u201cI just gave it to [Matisse Thybulle] who was shooting a higher percentage free throw at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n He added,\u00a0\u201cI just gave it to somebody who was shooting a higher percentage free throw at the time. So what is the difference?\u201d he said. \u201cHow about he should\u2019ve made the fucking free throws? But he didn\u2019t and it is what it is. That\u2019s still my boy. I love the guy.\u201d<\/p>\n Simmons did not appear in the NBA during the 2025-26 season after finishing the previous year with the Los Angeles Clippers.<\/p>\n He played 18 games in Los Angeles following a contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets, but ultimately stepped away from basketball and turned his attention toward professional fishing.<\/p>\n Despite the time away from the court, Simmons told Men\u2019s Health that returning to the NBA remains his priority.<\/p>\n \u201cI plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my (butt) on the court, and then the team realizing that my abilities will be needed,\u201d Simmons said. \u201cI don\u2019t have a plan on where.\u201d<\/p>\n The 29-year-old enters free agency after his five-year maximum contract originally signed with the Philadelphia 76ers officially came to an end.<\/p>\n Over his past five seasons, Simmons has appeared in more than 50 games only once.<\/p>\n He also missed the entire 2021-22 campaign while dealing with a prolonged standoff with Philadelphia and ongoing back issues.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Kawhi Leonard Trade Buzz Grows: The Juiciest Rumors<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n