Ben Simmons Doesn’t Want to ‘Waste’ a Roster Spot, Pauses NBA Return for a Passion Project
Ben Simmons was initially hopeful about returning to the NBA despite stalled contract negotiations, persistent injuries, and uneven performances. He appears to be putting that plan on hold for a little while now, though. Simmons recently dove headfirst into a passion project that is taking him far from the NBA and onto the open seas. Simmons just revealed that he’d rather not “waste” a roster spot when he has other things to focus on. Right now, it’s all about professional fishing for the former 76er’s star. Ben Simmons isn’t diving into pro fishing the way you are probably thinking, though. He’s focused on the ownership side of things.
Ben Simmons wants to focus on professional fishing
Ben Simmons shocked the world this week when he admitted a return to the NBA this season is unlikely while he pursues another project. He is watching the 2025 NBA season from afar while he focuses on professional fishing.
Simmons, who was drafted first overall in the 2016 NBA draft, has had a pretty rough professional basketball experience. While he had a top-notch rookie season, news reports of trouble and inconsistent play found him bouncing from team to team pretty quickly. He last played 18 games for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-2025 season, though his time with the team was underwhelming as well. Simmons is currently a free agent.
He isn’t becoming a pro fisherman, though
Ben Simmons is turning his sights on professional fishing instead of professional basketball. He isn’t looking to become a top angler, though. Instead, Simmons has invested his NBA money in the South Florida Sails Angling Club, a member of the Sport Fishing Championship League. Simmons officially became the club’s majority owner.
When discussing his decision to invest in professional fishing, he noted that while it’s a niche sport, it’s one he believes has a lot of room to grow. Simmons told Andscape that he’s always loved the water and enjoys fishing. Still, he insists, he’s not looking to parlay his ownership into a spot on the team. He admitted that he’s not the best angler. Still, he loves and believes in the sport and hopes to help it grow, especially in Florida, where he has opted to put down roots.
Is Ben Simmons ever coming back to the NBA?
Ben Simmons is focusing on pro-fishing and water sports right now. While reports suggest his NBA return is merely “on hold” while he gets physically and mentally healthy, to hear him talk about his new venture, the NBA sounds like a lifetime ago. Is he dedicated ot the idea of returning? It doesn’t really sound like it. Simmons made it clear that he doesn’t want to waste a roster spot and would rather get himself in the proper shape and mind frame for a return. Still, his focus is very clearly elsewhere.
Simmons has set down roots in Florida. He is focused on the community he is cultivating there. Simmons seems to have found a passion for things that take him far away from the hardwood. While no one knows what the future holds, the former Rookie of the Year is in a much better place. Maybe professional fishing was always what he was meant to do.
