Former Sixers Draft Pick Struggles Intensify as Recovery Remains Elusive

The situation surrounding former Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons has taken a dramatic turn. As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, Simmons remains a free agent, marking an unexpected low in his career just eight years after being the number one overall draft pick.
Ben Simmons: Once a Rising Star
Drafted first overall in 2016, Simmons was once regarded as a future All-NBA player. At just 25 years old, he had the potential for a Hall of Fame career. However, his trajectory transformed significantly after the 2021 playoffs, where a notable performance collapse against the Atlanta Hawks exacerbated his struggles.
Challenges Following the Playoffs
- Injury Woes: Simmons sat out the beginning of the 2022-23 season due to back issues.
- Trades: He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he struggled to make an impact over two and a half seasons.
- Short Stint with Clippers: Simmons later signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, but continued to underperform.
As the new season gets underway, it appears increasingly unlikely that Simmons will secure a spot on any NBA roster. Despite his height and potential as a playmaker, teams have shown minimal interest in signing him, with the New York Knicks being a rare exception. Any contact from the Knicks would likely involve a non-guaranteed minimum contract with intense competition for a roster spot.
Current Landscape for Simmons and the 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers, meanwhile, have turned the page on Simmons. The team’s current roster looks promising with a healthy Joel Embiid and a returning Paul George. Young talents like Tyrese Maxey and third overall pick V.J. Edgecombe contribute to a bright outlook for the franchise.
Future Prospects
While the 76ers have managed to improve since Simmons’s departure, his future remains uncertain. Questions loom over whether he will play another NBA game. The circumstances surrounding his career present a stark contrast to the upward trajectory of the 76ers, who appear well-positioned for success.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on both Simmons and the 76ers. The contrast between Simmons’s struggles and the team’s recovery adds an intriguing dimension to this year’s NBA landscape.