Ben Simmons Announces 2025 NBA Retirement Plan
Ben Simmons, a former NBA star, has announced plans to retire in 2025, marking a significant turn in his once-promising career. Once regarded as the future of the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons now faces questions regarding his motivation and ability to continue playing professional basketball.
Declining Offers and Future Uncertainty
Recent reports from NBA insider Marc Stein reveal that Simmons declined an offer from the New York Knicks. The details of the offer remain undisclosed, but it is believed to have included either a training camp invitation or a veteran minimum contract.
This situation has reignited concerns about Simmons’ basketball future. The Knicks viewed him as a low-risk project to bolster their forward depth. However, his decision to reject this opportunity raises doubts about his mental and physical readiness for a comeback in the NBA.
Injury Struggles Throughout His Career
Injuries have significantly affected Simmons’ career trajectory since he was drafted first overall in 2016. Below is a timeline of his notable injuries:
- 2016-17: Missed rookie season due to a Jones fracture in his right foot.
- 2019-20: Suffered from nerve impingement in the lower back.
- 2020-21: Limited availability due to knee and back issues.
- 2021-22: Sat out the entire season because of mental health struggles and a herniated disc.
- 2022-23: Played only 42 games for Brooklyn before back soreness ended his season.
- 2023-24: Appeared in just 15 games, hindered by recurring back inflammation.
At 28 years old, Simmons has missed approximately 50% of available NBA games. For an athlete who relies on speed and agility, these chronic back issues are particularly debilitating.
Mental Health Challenges
The impact of mental health on Simmons’ career cannot be overlooked. His turbulent relationship with the 76ers, highlighted by his refusal to play, became one of the most public controversies in NBA history. After his trade to the Brooklyn Nets, many hoped a change in environment would help him regain confidence.
Despite showing glimpses of his elite defensive and playmaking capabilities, Simmons struggled to regain his explosiveness and assertiveness on the court. This ongoing battle has posed questions about his future in the league.
Looking Ahead: Retirement Considerations
Simmons’ choice to decline the Knicks’ offer may indicate a consideration of stepping away from basketball. Although there has been no formal announcement regarding retirement, the prevailing silence suggests he is weighing his options. Such a decision would mark a significant decline in a career that began with immense promise.
A Legacy of Unfulfilled Potential
Ben Simmons entered the league as a 6’10” playmaker known for his exceptional vision and defensive prowess. Unfortunately, injuries and mental health challenges have hindered his development. If he chooses to retire, it will symbolize a profound “what-if” scenario in basketball history, reflecting on what could have been.
As he approaches 2025, Simmons must confront the reality of his career choices. The prospect of a final comeback remains uncertain, and with each passing moment, the likelihood of that happening diminishes.
