Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) looks on during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome.
Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Ben Simmons is trying to make his comeback to the NBA, but basketball fans just aren’t ready to believe the comeback hype yet after seeing a three-point shot of his in a workout video.
A workout video of Simmons training in Melbourne, working alongside Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, and other Australian players, went viral this week. The clip showed Simmons finishing a nice layup and even knocking down a transition three-pointer during the session. Naturally, a healthy-looking former All-Star hitting jump shots in an offseason workout would generate a lot of hope.
It wouldn’t be an offseason without some Ben Simmons workout videos 👀
Linking up with Giddey, Dyson and co in Melbourne this week pic.twitter.com/z4fbBSCdHq
— NBA Fantasy Bible (@NBAFantasyBible) August 11, 2026
But with Simmons, though, the fans have seen this movie time and time again, and the reaction online was purely skeptical.
“That s**t looks horrible.”
“Ben Simmons jumpshot gimmick in the grand year of 2026.”
“We not falling for this 10 years in a row.”
“It’s looked smooth his whole career. The problem is he doesn’t shoot tho…”
“It’s officially August.”
“Yearly Ben Simmons hype video ✌️💀.”
“It’s been 8 years, and they think they can get us with Simmons jumper.”
You can understand why this skepticism has been unavoidable. Simmons has made just five three-pointers out of 36 attempts during his NBA career, which translates to 13.9% from beyond the arc. His shooting has never been the foundation of his game, but his unwillingness to even attempt outside shots has become one of the biggest criticisms during his career.
But there is still some momentum behind this comeback attempt.
Simmons sat out the entire 2025-26 season as he focused on fully recovering from the back problems that severely limited him in his final years in the NBA. According to NBA insider Marc Spears, Simmons is now participating in the Australian team mini-camp without any restrictions.
Spears also reported that several NBA teams have expressed interest, including a Western Conference team that offered Simmons a training camp invitation. Simmons is reportedly open to signing a veteran minimum contract, which is a big change from last year, when he reportedly declined minimum contracts as he considered whether to continue his career.
The former number one pick last played during the 2024-25 season, averaging 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 52.0% from the field.
If Simmons has gotten back some of that athleticism, there might still be a role for him in the NBA. He still remains a talented passer, rebounder, and defensive expert when he is healthy.
But the thing is that we, as fans, have heard this story too many times before. As some of the reactions put it, Simmons has looked good every summer. The real test will come when an NBA defender is standing in front of him.
Until then, one three-pointer made in Melbourne is not gonna convince anyone.