Ben Simmons Set for Australian Minicamp as He Eyes NBA Comeback

Ben Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, is scheduled to take part in a private minicamp in Melbourne, Australia, as he prepares for a potential return to the NBA. Simmons, who has faced a challenging few years, missed the entire last season following a stint with the Los Angeles Clippers in which he played only 18 games during the 2024-25 season due to injuries.

The minicamp, which begins on Monday, is part of Simmons' effort to secure a place on the Australian national team for the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Having previously represented Australia at the 2013 FIBA Men’s Oceania Championships, Simmons is eager to make his mark after missing the last three Olympic Games.

Simmons' godfather, David Patrick, who serves as an assistant coach for both the Australian national team and Arizona State, has indicated that Simmons is regaining his athleticism. However, his future in the NBA remains uncertain as he has not played more than 60 games in a season since 2018-19 due to ongoing injury issues.

While it is unclear if Simmons will secure a spot in the NBA next season, there are indications that a non-guaranteed offer for a minicamp with a Western Conference team could be on the table, should he demonstrate his readiness during the minicamp. This event marks an important first step in Simmons' journey toward a potential NBA comeback.