Simmons' secret weapon in comeback bid

A Melbourne high-performance coach has been working closely with Ben Simmons as he takes huge strides towards a professional comeback.

Simmons was part of an Australian Boomers mini-camp in Melbourne last week, igniting rumours of a potential return to basketball.

It's been revealed he's been working closely with a coach recommended by AFL star Christian Petracca.

"What I would say about him (Simmons) is that he's physically ready to perform at the elite level and there are no precautions, there are no issues with him physically," Adam Larcom told CODE Sports.

"He hasn't got any issues at all with the previous history, it's all clear."

Simmons was significantly hampered by a lower-back injury during his final years in the NBA, ultimately missing an entire season to rehabilitate his body.

Footage of the former NBA Rookie of the Year working out at Courtside in Melbourne sparked a wave of conversation around the world.

"I've been treating him daily and at each of his basketball sessions with the Boomers along with on-going strength sessions throughout," Larcom said.

"They've employed me to really problem solve with it and I have come up with a structure in the end for him to use back in the US."

Simmons said last week he had ambitions of representing Australia for the first time at senior level, and he's sure to attract interest for another opportunity in the NBA.

The 30-year-old was a three-time NBA All-Star from 2019 to 2021 and a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member.

Boomers coach Adam Caporn backed Simmons to make it back to the NBA.

“He looks fantastic. Is he talented and good enough to play in the NBA? Yes. There is a lot that comes into it, timing and things out of his control but he looks fantastic," Caporn said.

Read the full story here >> Ben Simmons’ injury comeback complete as coach says he is ready to explode