Ben Simmons: What’s Next for Australia’s Former NBA All-Star?

Ben Simmons Off the Court: An Uncertain Chapter Begins

For nearly a decade, Ben Simmons was synonymous with Australian basketball’s rise in the NBA. His explosive athleticism, court vision, and defensive prowess earned him an All-Star nod in 2021 and cemented his status as one of the most exciting international imports in the league. Yet as the 2025-26 NBA season tips off, Simmons finds himself on the outside looking in—no roster spot, no clear path back, and a narrative that’s as much about what’s next as what’s past.

It’s a striking reversal. Simmons, along with fellow Australian veteran Patty Mills, is absent from the NBA’s opening night lineups for the first time in a decade. Their absence is not just personal—it signals a broader generational shift. The torch has been passed to younger compatriots like Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels, who now headline Australia’s presence in the league.

From All-Star Heights to Free Agency: Simmons’ Recent Years

Simmons’ career trajectory has been anything but ordinary. Drafted first overall in 2016, he quickly became a fixture in highlight reels and playoff runs. His blend of size and skill was rare, and by 2021, he was recognized as one of the league’s premier defenders and playmakers. However, injuries, off-court controversies, and struggles with shooting led to a slow fade from the NBA spotlight.

This summer, Simmons spent time in Australia, fishing and playing with a Sherrin—a football, not a basketball. The symbolism is hard to ignore. While speculation mounted about his possible retirement, Simmons took to Instagram to refute those rumors. “I’m not done,” he insisted. But as training camps concluded and teams set their rosters, his name was conspicuously absent.

What’s behind this hiatus? There’s no single answer. Simmons’ recent seasons were marred by recurring injuries and inconsistent form. Teams, wary of his health and the complexities surrounding his role, have so far opted for younger, less risky alternatives. According to The Guardian, Simmons remains a free agent, his future open-ended.

The Changing Guard: Australia’s NBA Influence Evolves

While Simmons and Mills search for their next opportunity, a new wave of Australian talent is taking center stage. Josh Giddey, now with the Chicago Bulls, signed a lucrative four-year rookie extension worth $153 million AUD, a testament to his rising profile. Similarly, Dyson Daniels, fresh off a Most Improved Player award, inked a nine-figure deal with the Atlanta Hawks and is celebrated as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.

Beyond Giddey and Daniels, fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes across the NBA. From veteran centers like Jock Landale and Duop Reath to emerging wings such as Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, the Australian pipeline is stronger than ever. Even newcomers—Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky—are drawing attention, though their court time may be limited as they develop in the G-League.

This generational turnover is natural, but it also marks the end of an era. Simmons and Mills were more than just players—they were symbols of Australia’s basketball ambitions. Their absence from NBA rosters brings a sense of closure, and perhaps, a challenge to the next wave to define their own legacy.

Where Does Simmons Go From Here?

For Simmons, the immediate future remains uncertain. At 29, he’s not old by NBA standards, and his All-Star pedigree still carries weight. Yet the league is unforgiving, and free agents must not only stay in shape but also convince teams they can contribute. Simmons’ social media posts show a man determined to stay ready, but readiness alone doesn’t guarantee a contract.

What options does Simmons have? Overseas leagues are one possibility, though his talent and brand suggest he’s likely to exhaust NBA options first. There’s also the prospect of a mid-season signing, as teams often look for reinforcements due to injuries or playoff pushes. For now, he remains in limbo—a reminder that stardom in professional sports is never permanent.

Meanwhile, Patty Mills has made his intentions clear: he’s not ready to retire, posting workout videos to prove his fitness. The difference in approach is telling. Mills is actively courting attention from teams, while Simmons maintains a more enigmatic public profile.

Legacy and the Australian Basketball Narrative

Simmons’ journey is about more than statistics. He helped redefine what an Australian player could achieve in the NBA, inspiring a generation of kids to dream beyond the NBL. His story, marked by triumphs and setbacks, is a microcosm of the wider Australian basketball experience—ambition, resilience, and adaptation.

The next chapter, whatever it holds, will be watched closely. Whether Simmons returns to the NBA, explores other leagues, or shifts his focus elsewhere, his influence endures. The shifting guard in Australian basketball is not just about new faces—it’s about building on the foundation Simmons helped lay.

As the 2025-26 season unfolds, the spotlight shifts, but the questions remain. How do stars reinvent themselves when the game moves on? What does legacy look like in the face of uncertainty? For Ben Simmons, these aren’t just questions—they’re the story.

Simmons’ situation highlights the unpredictable nature of professional sports careers. Despite past successes, factors like health, team fit, and market dynamics can quickly alter an athlete’s trajectory. For Australia’s NBA hopefuls, Simmons’ journey serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration, underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptability in the global basketball arena.