Currently a free agent while seeking a new NBA opportunity, Ben Simmons temporarily shifts his focus to pro fishing.
Ben Simmons is steadfast about clawing his way back into the game. But while there hasn't been any clear opportunity yet, he temporarily shifts his focus toward fishing.
In a sit-down interview with Andscape's Marc J. Spears, it was revealed that Simmons has become the controlling operator and majority owner of a professional sport fishing team, the South Florida Sails, in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC).
Founded in 2021, SFC features 16 different pro angling clubs across multiple states in the United States. Simmons argued that it is a "very niche sport" where he found interest outside the court.
“The way I see it, it’s like the new F1 [Formula 1] for fishing. The new LIV Golf for fishing,” Simmons told Spears. “The first real competitive sport fishing championship. It’s a league of 16 teams, which is growing and expanding. And so, we’ll go out there and compete in various different tournaments, and there’ll be a champion crowned at the end. It’s a point-scored system. So, you’re fishing for white marlin, blue marlin, sailfish and striped marlin. There are all different point systems for each one."
As he is still a free agent, Simmons won't hang it up yet, as he is determined to return to the NBA.
From being one of the league's brightest stars and an all-around wonder, Simmons endured a brutal decline due to injury issues. His back complications have hindered him from reaching his full potential.
The former No. 1 overall pick previously played as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, appearing in just 18 games during the 2024-25 season as he averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 boards and 3.1 assists.
The Australian star said that he engaged himself in two-a-day basketball, strength and rehabilitation workouts six days a week in Los Angeles. He is optimistic that he'll find a new home in the Association around the All-Star break as he continues to maintain his health and conditioning.
“I don’t believe it’s just [about] getting on a team,” Simmons said. “So, if I were to play right now, I think I’d fit right into the NBA just given what I can do. But I want to give everything I can to the game. I don’t think there’s any point in just wasting a spot just to be out there. I think that’s a little selfish. And there are guys that do it now. But that’s what it is, the business.
“For me, I’m very blessed to not have to be in that situation where I need to fight right now. But I want to get to the best of my ability and physical peak to compete. Otherwise, it doesn’t really serve me any purpose.”
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