Philadelphia is home to one of the best backcourts in the NBA with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Quinton Grimes and Jared McCann. However, they also have veteran stars Joel Embiid and Paul George on max contracts. This shows that the 76ers are thriving, but the team is sitting one game above .500 due to the lack of availability of Embiid and George.
Still, the 76ers are looking to compete for a championship in the wide-open Eastern Conference, which could pave the way for a shocking rematch.
Ben Simmons expresses interest in reuniting with 76ers
Former No. 1 pick Ben Simmons is still a free agent. He most recently appeared with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-2025 campaign, where he averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 43.4% shooting in 18 games.
Simmons hinted at re-joining the 76ers in his latest Instagram post. The post wasn’t basketball-related, but a fan’s comment caught the 29-year-old’s attention.
“You would be a great fit on this current Philly team. Maxi Edgecum PG Ben Joel,” one user commented on Simmons’ post.
Simmons liked the comment and gave his seal of approval to the idea of signing with the 76ers. The screenshot received more than 50,000 views in a day when posted on X.
Simmons spent the best years of his career in Philadelphia, earning three All-Star appearances and an All-NBA selection during his tenure. In his best season (2019–2020), the Australian guard averaged 16.4 points, 8 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals on 58% shooting.
Social media reacted to Simmons’ subtle hint this way:
@Blaise9_: “Barlow and Watford are better and he sucks now you’d want anyone.”
@Kam_Afi: “The man will accept the job because he doesn’t have one.”
@TVMoviefan30: “No, Ben can’t shoot and suck the line, thanks. He doesn’t offer anything offensively.”
Although Simmons is no longer the player he once was, there is an argument to be made that he can still make an impact on an NBA team.
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