Ben Simmons, the former No. 1 draft pick, has sparked speculation about his return to the NBA. He posted a cryptic message along with a shirtless photo on Instagram. In his post, he wrote, “I wouldn’t change the story. The highs, the lows, the pain, the time, the lessons. I embrace all of it.”

He added, “Every chapter built something in me that I couldn’t have built any other way. Grateful for where I’ve been. Proud of where I stand. Ready for wherever this goes.”

Simmons last appeared in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season. In that time, he played 17 games, averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 16.4 minutes per game.

The Australian athlete gained fame as Philadelphia 76ers’ top pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Despite missing his first season due to injury, he clinched the 2018 Rookie of the Year award. His selection meant the 76ers overlooked future All-Stars like Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, and Jamal Murray.

Brown and Murray have since achieved championship success with their respective teams. Murray was part of the 2023 Denver Nuggets’ championship run, while Brown earned the NBA Finals MVP with the Boston Celtics in 2024. This off-season, the 76ers acquired Brown through a major trade with the Celtics, a decade after passing on him in the draft.

Although Simmons hasn’t secured a championship, he’s earned accolades, such as three NBA All-Star selections and two NBA All-Defensive First Team honors. Despite stints with the Clippers and Brooklyn Nets, his top performances were with the 76ers.

After becoming a free agent post his 2024-25 season with the Clippers, Simmons did not play last year. However, his Instagram message hints that a comeback could happen if a team believes he can add value to their roster.