Ben Simmons once represented a key figure in the NBA. He entered the league as a huge promise, yet in 2025 he finds himself without a team. Some analysts even claim this could be the end of his NBA career. But is that really the case? Recently, Simmons denied rumors of retirement, though his future remains unclear.
The former LSU star arrived in the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2016. He quickly made an impact, earning the Rookie of the Year award in 2018. At that point, his career seemed destined for long-term success. So, what went wrong?
From glory to minimum offers
According to EssentiallySports, Simmons once stood at the center of his team’s rebuilding plans. But his decline became evident, especially during the playoffs, where rivals exploited his weaknesses. He also battled serious mental health struggles and faced a crisis of confidence that became public.
Ben Simmons is NOT retired 🔥
(h/t @CourtsideBuzzX) pic.twitter.com/SG0cC5aaCD— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 15, 2025
At one point, Simmons admitted he felt unsupported by the Philadelphia 76ers. “I was in such a bad place… trying to move forward, but they kept throwing things at me instead of helping. All I wanted was support,” he confessed. He later added, “I didn’t feel it from the coaches or even from some teammates. There are great guys I still call friends, but overall it was a difficult situation.”
On top of that, Simmons suffered injuries that derailed his physical condition. Back issues, nerve problems, and surgeries forced him away from his former dominance. A player once seen as a perennial All-Star suddenly had to fight just for minutes on the court.
In early 2025, Brooklyn and Simmons reached a buyout agreement. He then signed a veteran minimum deal with the Clippers, saying he finally “felt wanted” in Los Angeles. Still, he now sits as a free agent, at least on paper. His market value has dropped far below expectations, and he turned down offers that didn’t interest him.
Today, Simmons faces an uncertain future, a stark reminder of how NBA players and teams can move from glory to the ground in the blink of an eye.
