“No one’s telling him to go away”: Simmons remains in high demand

News desks around the world were abuzz on Monday as speculation surrounding a potential Ben Simmons comeback intensified.

Momentum continues to build around the 30-year-old’s return, with Simmons reportedly set to participate in a Boomers mini-camp in Melbourne this week.

“NBA free agent forward Ben Simmons is expected to be a full participant with ‘zero restrictions’ in a player-led Aussie men’s national team mini-camp in Melbourne beginning Monday,” Andscape’s Marc J. Spears reported.

The news followed a pointed social media post from the NBA's former number one draft pick, while South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Josh King believes any team would be wise to explore the possibility of signing the three-time All-Star.

“From a talent standpoint, absolutely. I don’t think anyone’s telling him to go away,” King said on SEN.

Simmons hasn’t played since April 2025, but his résumé speaks for itself.

Could a return to Australia and a move to the NBL now be calling?

“I like his versatility. You could probably play him one-through-five. He’d give you a lot of options to work with,” King said.

“Maybe I’ll give him a call on my way home (from the studio) ... we do have one local spot left, and he is considered a local,” he added, with a smile.

Simmons was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2018 and a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member.

"He's obviously had his health issues the last couple of years and took some time to get that right," Jock Landale said on Triple M.

"From all reports he's in really good shape, so it will be good to get him amongst it and get him out there."