Ben Simmons is making a determined push to return to the NBA, and the early signs are attracting attention from around the league. After taking the entire 2024-25 season off to let his body heal, the 30-year-old forward is now fully healthy and ready to prove he can still contribute at a high level. According to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Simmons is expected to be a full participant with 'zero restrictions' in a player-led mini-camp for the Australian men's national team, which begins Monday in Melbourne. He paid his own way to the camp, underscoring his commitment to regaining form and competing for a roster spot on the national team.

Simmons, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has not played for Australia in a senior international competition. He withdrew from the 2019 FIBA World Cup and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, leaving his national team status uncertain. However, this latest effort suggests he is serious about representing his country and, more importantly, showing NBA teams that his body is finally ready for the grind of an 82-game season.

Multiple NBA teams have already expressed interest in signing Simmons. Spears reported that one Western Conference franchise has already offered him a training camp invitation. While rumors have swirled about a possible return to the Philadelphia 76ers, the team that drafted him and where he made three All-Star appearances, the interest appears to be broader. A coach who recently worked out with Simmons told Andscape that the former Defensive Player of the Year runner-up has regained his athleticism. Simmons himself said he feels better than he has in years.

His last NBA action came during the 2023-24 season, when he split time between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. In that campaign, he averaged 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 52.0% from the field. Those numbers reflect a player who was still a solid facilitator and defender, even if his scoring output had declined significantly from his prime years. The time off, he hopes, will allow him to recapture the explosiveness and confidence that made him a perennial All-Star.

The mini-camp in Melbourne is a player-organized event, not an official FIBA camp, but it serves as a critical showcase for Simmons. If he can demonstrate that his back and knee issues are behind him, teams will likely line up to offer him a contract. For a franchise looking for a versatile playmaker and plus defender, Simmons could be a low-risk, high-reward addition. The 30-year-old's basketball IQ and passing ability have never been in question; the only question has been whether his body can hold up.

As the NBA season approaches, Simmons appears to be on the verge of a second chance. The interest from multiple teams, along with his own investment in the Australian camp, signals that he is serious about making a comeback. Whether he ends up in Philadelphia, with a Western Conference team, or elsewhere, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Ben Simmons can recapture the promise of his early career.