While Waiting for an NBA Call, Ben Simmons Casts a New Line
LOS ANGELES – The NBA hardwood remains quiet for Ben Simmons, but the former All-Star is making waves in open waters. While his basketball future hangs in the balance of rehabilitation and free agency, Simmons has found a new anchor, stepping into the role of controlling operator for the South Florida Sails of the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC).
For Simmons, this isn’t just a leisure activity to pass the time during unemployment; it is a business move rooted in genuine passion. The SFC, launched in 2021 to elevate saltwater fishing to an elite competitive tier, has found an eager partner in the former No. 1 overall pick. By taking charge of the Sails, Simmons joins a roster of ownership that reads like a “who’s who” of American sports and entertainment, rubbing shoulders with the likes of PGA No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, NFL legend Randy Moss, and NASCAR’s Austin Dillon.
“I have always believed that investing in what you love means you have a responsibility to help move it forward,” Simmons said regarding the acquisition. “Sportfishing has given me incredible experiences, and SFC is creating a platform that treats offshore fishing like the elite sport it is.”
While his portfolio expands, Simmons’ primary focus remains a return to the NBA. The narrative around the Australian point forward has been turbulent since his messy exit from Philadelphia in 2022. Last season offered a glimpse of stability—splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers—but ultimately ended in free agency. In 51 games, he averaged modest numbers: 5 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds, largely in a reserve role after landing in Los Angeles.
Now, the focus is singular: health. According to reports, Simmons is grinding through two-a-day workouts involving basketball skills, strength training, and rehabilitation in Los Angeles. The goal isn’t just to sign a contract; it is to be impactful. He is eyeing a return around the All-Star break, but only if his body allows him to play at a level that honors the game.
Simmons’ approach to this offseason signals a shift in maturity. Gone is the frantic urgency to silence critics immediately; in its place is a calculated patience. After years of lingering back injuries that derailed his tenure in Brooklyn and transformed him from a franchise cornerstone to a buyout candidate, Simmons is wary of returning as a shadow of himself. His refusal to simply occupy a roster spot speaks to a player who understands that his next comeback might be his last chance to redefine his legacy.
“I don’t believe it’s just [about] getting on a team. So, if I were to play right now, I think I’d fit right into the NBA just given what I can do. But I want to give everything I can to the game. I don’t think there’s any point in just wasting a spot just to be out there… I want to get to the best of my ability and physical peak to compete.” – Ben Simmons
This statement highlights a critical self-awareness. Simmons acknowledges that while he possesses the talent to play today, the “business” of the NBA requires more than just showing up—it demands performance that he feels he can only deliver at peak health.
Ben Simmons finds himself at a unique crossroads. On one hand, he is building a future beyond basketball, investing in a sport that offers him solace and excitement. On the other, he is fighting to reclaim the career that once promised greatness. While he casts lines in South Florida, the NBA world will be watching to see if he can reel in one more opportunity to prove he still belongs among the elite.
