Ben Simmons was once seen as one of the brightest young stars in basketball. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, he was expected to lead the franchise’s long-term rebuild.
Early on, the potential was clear. After missing his first season due to a foot injury, Simmons quickly established himself as a versatile playmaker. Over the next two years, he delivered near triple-double performances and helped the team reach consecutive Eastern Conference Semifinals appearances.
That promise led to a five-year, $170 million contract extension, signaling that the franchise viewed him as a foundational piece alongside Joel Embiid. But what followed was a series of setbacks that changed the trajectory of his career.
Injuries and Turning Points Changed Everything
Simmons’ peak years were interrupted by injuries, most notably a back issue during the 2019–20 season. Although he returned to play, his performance began to show signs of inconsistency, particularly in scoring situations.
The defining moment came during the 2021 NBA Playoffs. In a crucial Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks, Simmons passed up an open dunk late in the game, a decision that drew widespread criticism.
That moment became symbolic of a broader decline in confidence and aggression on the court. Following the loss, public comments from teammates and coaches intensified the scrutiny, leading to a breakdown in his relationship with the team.
Trade, Struggles, and Time Away From the Game
After requesting a trade, Simmons sat out games and cited mental health challenges, leading to fines from the 76ers that reportedly reached millions of dollars before a settlement was reached.
In 2022, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where expectations were high for a fresh start. However, injuries continued to limit his impact, and he struggled to regain his previous form.
Over the next few seasons, Simmons played limited games and saw his role diminish significantly. The Nets eventually waived him in 2025 after he appeared in just 90 games across three seasons.
A brief stint with the Los Angeles Clippers followed, but it did little to revive his NBA career. By the 2025–26 season, Simmons was no longer on an active roster.
A Surprising Shift to Competitive Fishing
While his basketball career stalled, Simmons found success in a completely different field. He became involved in competitive fishing, holding an ownership stake in the South Florida Sails, a team competing in the Sport Fishing Championship.
In 2026, the team won the Walker Cay Open, finishing with 2,925 points, more than double the score of the second-place team. The victory marked a significant achievement in a sport that Simmons had been passionate about for years.
His interest in fishing dates back to his childhood in Australia, where he frequently spent time on the water. Even during his NBA career, he was known to fish during downtime, including a widely shared moment during the COVID-19 bubble.
Financial Success Allows New Opportunities
Despite the challenges in his basketball career, Simmons earned substantial income during his time in the NBA. Reports estimate his total career earnings at over $200 million, giving him the flexibility to explore other interests without financial pressure.
This financial stability has allowed him to remain active in ventures outside basketball, including his involvement in professional fishing. While he has not officially retired from the NBA, his focus appears to have shifted toward new pursuits.
