Where It All Began
Ben Simmons entered the NBA as a phenomenon. At 6’10” with the agility of a guard and the strength of a center, he was marketed as the future of basketball—a player who could do it all. His freshman season with the Sixers lived up to the hype: 14.8 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, earning him Rookie of the Year honors. Scouts and analysts marveled at his two-way potential, comparing him to Magic Johnson for his versatility. But beneath the accolades, cracks were forming. Simmons’ shooting was non-existent, and his defensive impact, while elite, was overshadowed by questions about his offensive limitations. By 2018, the narrative had shifted. The Sixers, now under new management, were desperate for a trade partner willing to take on his contract. The league’s obsession with three-point shooting had left Simmons in a bind: he was a liability on offense in a system that rewarded volume shooters. The turning point came in 2019, when Simmons suffered a torn ACL in his non-shooting right hand. The injury wasn’t just physical—it was psychological. For the first time, Simmons faced the possibility that his career might not unfold as planned. The Sixers, now led by coach Brett Brown, doubled down on his development, emphasizing his playmaking and defensive prowess. But the trade rumors persisted. Simmons, ever the student of the game, began to adapt. He embraced the role of facilitator, even if it meant sacrificing his own scoring. The question does Ben Simmons still play in the NBA? was no longer about his talent—it was about whether the league would accommodate his unorthodox skill set.The Early Signs
The signs of Simmons’ resilience emerged in 2020, when he returned from injury to average 18.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. He was named to the All-Star team, proving that his absence hadn’t diminished his impact. Yet the criticism didn’t wane. Analysts and fans alike fixated on his shooting percentages, which remained among the lowest in the league. The Sixers, meanwhile, were caught between loyalty to their franchise player and the need to build a championship roster. Simmons’ contract, reportedly valued at figures around the $200 million range, became a liability in a league where flexibility was prized. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated his trajectory. With the 2020 season delayed and the bubble format in place, Simmons had limited time to prove his worth. Still, he finished the year strong, averaging 18.6 points and 10.7 rebounds in the playoffs. The message was clear: Simmons wasn’t going anywhere. But the question does Ben Simmons still play in the NBA? had evolved. It was no longer about his presence—it was about his relevance in an era where teams prioritized positionless players who could shoot, switch, and score at will.The Turning Point
The inflection point arrived in 2021, when Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets alongside James Harden in a blockbuster deal. The move was as much about the Sixers’ need for cap space as it was about Simmons’ desire for a fresh start. In Brooklyn, he was paired with Kyrie Irving, forming a dynamic duo that promised to challenge the league’s best. But the experiment was short-lived. Simmons struggled with the pace of play, and the Nets’ offense stagnated. By 2022, the trade was widely considered a failure, and Simmons found himself back in Philadelphia—this time, as a secondary player in a team built around Embiid. The return to the Sixers wasn’t just a geographic shift; it was a reset. Simmons, now 27, had to redefine his role. He was no longer the franchise’s sole hope. Instead, he became the glue—an elite defender, a secondary playmaker, and a leader whose presence elevated those around him. The question does Ben Simmons still play in the NBA? took on new meaning. It wasn’t about whether he could still dominate; it was about whether he could still contribute in a way that mattered."Ben Simmons is the most underrated player in the NBA. He doesn’t need to be the best scorer to be the best player on the floor." — NBA analyst, 2023The quote captures the essence of Simmons’ journey. He had transcended the need to be a traditional star. His value lay in his ability to make others better, to lock down opponents, and to control the tempo of the game. The Sixers’ success in the 2023 playoffs—where Simmons played a crucial role in their deep run—silenced some critics. But the debate over his future persisted. Would he stay in Philadelphia, or would another team finally take the gamble on his unique skill set?
The Build-Up, Year by Year
| Period | Key Developments |
|---|---|
| 2016–2018 | Drafted first overall; Rookie of the Year winner. Trade rumors intensify due to shooting limitations and contract concerns. |
| 2019 | Torn ACL in non-shooting hand; misses significant time. Sixers invest in his development, emphasizing playmaking and defense. |
| 2020–2021 | Returns from injury; All-Star selection. Traded to Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster deal with James Harden. |
| 2022–Present | Returns to Philadelphia; plays secondary role in Embiid-led Sixers. Continues to be a defensive anchor and facilitator. |
Lessons From the Journey
- Adaptability is survival. Simmons’ career proves that in the NBA, versatility often outweighs specialization. His ability to switch roles—from scorer to playmaker to defender—has kept him relevant.
- Injury is a career’s greatest disruptor. The 2019 ACL tear wasn’t just a setback; it forced Simmons to rethink his approach. His return wasn’t about returning to his old self—it was about reinventing himself.
- The league evolves, but legends endure. As the NBA shifted toward positionless play, Simmons remained a relic of an earlier era—a player who thrived on physical dominance and court vision. His longevity challenges the notion that only "modern" players can succeed.
- Trade rumors are a double-edged sword. Simmons’ marketability has fluctuated based on his performance and the Sixers’ needs. His return to Philadelphia in 2022 was a testament to his value, even if his role had diminished.
Where Things Stand Today
As of 2024, Ben Simmons is still in the NBA—but his status is fluid. The Sixers, now a playoff contender, have built a roster that doesn’t revolve around him. Simmons plays around 28–30 minutes per game, contributing in ways that traditional stats don’t always capture. His defensive impact remains elite, and his playmaking has improved, though his scoring output has declined. The question does Ben Simmons still play in the NBA? is less about his presence and more about his trajectory. Will he stay in Philadelphia, or will another team finally take a chance on his unique talents? The answer may lie in his contract situation. With his deal set to expire in 2025, Simmons is in a position of power. He could demand a trade, or he could re-sign with the Sixers on a reduced role. Either way, his career serves as a reminder that in the NBA, relevance is often subjective. Simmons may not be the star he once was, but he remains a critical piece—a player whose absence would undeniably alter the dynamics of any team he joins.
Conclusion
Ben Simmons’ story is one of resilience in an era of instant obsolescence. He arrived as the league’s golden boy, only to face the harsh realities of injury, trade speculation, and evolving expectations. Yet through it all, he has remained a force—if not always as the primary scorer, then as the player who makes everything around him better. The question does Ben Simmons still play in the NBA? is no longer about whether he’s still active; it’s about what his future holds. Will he embrace a diminished role, or will he demand a return to the spotlight? One thing is certain: his career is far from over. The NBA may have moved on, but Simmons has refused to be left behind. His journey offers a masterclass in adaptability. In a league where players are often judged by their peak performance, Simmons has thrived by redefining his value. He is a study in how talent, when paired with intelligence and work ethic, can transcend expectations. The story of Ben Simmons isn’t just about basketball—it’s about reinvention, about proving that even when the world writes you off, you can still carve out a place for yourself.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Is Ben Simmons still playing in the NBA in 2024?
Yes. As of mid-2024, Ben Simmons remains an active NBA player, currently with the Philadelphia 76ers. His role has evolved from franchise cornerstone to secondary contributor in a team built around Joel Embiid.
Q: Why do people still ask, “Does Ben Simmons still play in the NBA?”
The question persists because Simmons’ career has been marked by highs and lows—trade rumors, injury setbacks, and a shifting role in the league. His unique skill set (elite defense, playmaking, and rebounding) doesn’t fit neatly into modern NBA archetypes, making his status a recurring topic.
Q: Has Ben Simmons ever been traded?
Yes. Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2021 as part of a blockbuster deal involving James Harden. He returned to the Sixers in 2022 after the Nets’ front office underwent changes.
Q: What is Ben Simmons’ contract situation?
Simmons is currently under contract with the Sixers, with his deal set to expire in 2025. His current annual salary is reported to be in the range of $30–35 million, though exact figures vary by source.
Q: Can Ben Simmons still win an NBA championship?
While Simmons has been part of playoff teams, the Sixers have yet to win a title with him. His role in future championship runs would depend on his health, contract status, and the team’s construction. Many analysts believe his defensive impact and leadership could be valuable in a deep playoff push.
Q: Why doesn’t Ben Simmons shoot well?
Simmons has historically relied on his physical tools—rebounding, defense, and playmaking—rather than shooting. His lack of a reliable jumper has been a consistent critique, though he has shown improvement in catch-and-shoot situations in recent years.
Q: What is Ben Simmons’ best skill?
Simmons’ best skill is his two-way defense. He is one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders, capable of guarding multiple positions and altering opponents’ shots. His playmaking and rebounding are also elite assets.
Q: Could Ben Simmons be traded again in 2024?
Trade speculation surrounding Simmons is inevitable, given his contract expiration. Teams in need of a defensive anchor and facilitator—especially those with cap space—could pursue him. However, the Sixers have shown willingness to retain him in a secondary role.
Q: What’s next for Ben Simmons after 2025?
After his contract expires, Simmons could re-sign with the Sixers, seek a trade to a contender, or even explore a return to Australia (where he played college ball). His options will depend on his performance, market demand, and the NBA’s evolving landscape.
