Free-agent forward Ben Simmons will participate in a private minicamp for the Australian men’s basketball team in Melbourne [1], [2].
The move marks a significant step in Simmons' effort to return to the NBA after a prolonged absence from professional competition. By training with the national team, the forward aims to demonstrate his current health and readiness to potential suitors during the offseason [2], [3].
Simmons will be a full participant in the player-led sessions. A source said to ESPN that he will have "zero restrictions" during the camp [2]. This level of activity is intended to showcase his physical condition following a period of inactivity [3].
The former forward was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft [1]. Early in his career, he signed a contract worth $177 million with the Philadelphia 76ers [4]. However, his trajectory shifted following injuries and disputes, eventually leading to a stint with the Clippers.
Simmons missed the entire 2026 NBA season [5]. His absence has left him as a free agent attempting to rebuild his value in a league that has seen significant shifts in playstyle since his peak. The Melbourne camp serves as a controlled environment to regain game rhythm before entering formal negotiations with NBA teams [2], [3].
While the minicamp is private, the timing is strategic. Participating in national team activities allows Simmons to work under professional coaching and alongside elite talent, factors that are critical for a player attempting a comeback after missing a full year of professional play [2].
“"zero restrictions"”
Simmons' participation in the Australian minicamp is a calculated attempt to mitigate the risks associated with his long absence from the court. For NBA general managers, the primary concern is whether the former star can sustain the physical rigors of an 82-game season. By completing a full program with the national team, Simmons provides tangible evidence of his durability, which is essential for securing a new contract as a free agent.
