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Ben Simmons Shocks Fans—Invests in Pro Fishing Team! What’s His NBA Comeback Plan?

Staff

Staff

4 months ago · Updated 4 months ago

As former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons navigates his path back into professional basketball, he has taken an unexpected turn by investing in a different sport—saltwater fishing. According to Andscape's Marc Spears, Simmons has become the new controlling operator of the South Florida Sails, a team in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC).

Launched in 2021, the SFC aims to elevate the profile of saltwater fishing, featuring 16 professional angling clubs that span regions from Southern Texas to New England, with aspirations for further expansion. Simmons expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture, stating, “I have always believed that investing in what you love means you have a responsibility to help move it forward. Sportfishing has given me incredible experiences, and SFC is creating a platform that treats offshore fishing like the elite sport it is.”

Simmons joins a growing roster of celebrity owners in the SFC, which includes names like world No. 1 PGA golfer Scottie Scheffler, country music star Brian Kelley, NFL player Raheem Mostert, NASCAR driver Austin Dillon, and NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss. His passion for fishing is well-known, suggesting that this move is more than just a business decision; it reflects a personal commitment to a sport he loves.

However, the timing of this new role comes as Simmons finds himself without an NBA team. The former No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft played last season with the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers, but was waived by the Nets and subsequently bought out before joining the Clippers on a rest-of-season deal. During his time with both teams, he averaged five points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds over 22 minutes per game. His performance with the Clippers saw a dip, as he averaged only 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 18 games.

Despite these setbacks, Simmons is reportedly putting in the work to return to form. According to Andscape, he has been engaging in two-a-day basketball sessions, along with strength and rehabilitation workouts six days a week in the Los Angeles area. The three-time All-Star has set a goal to be healthy enough to sign with an NBA team around the All-Star break, provided he continues to make progress.

Simmons stated, “I don’t believe it’s just [about] getting on a team. 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.”

This introspective approach highlights Simmons' understanding of the competitive nature of the NBA. He added, “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.”

Simmons' journey is marked by highs and lows, including a tumultuous exit from the Philadelphia 76ers and a challenging tenure with the Nets, where he battled health issues. His last All-Star appearance was with the 76ers, a franchise that drafted him as the top pick in the 2016 draft. After sitting out the 2021-22 season due to personal and physical challenges, Simmons is now focused on reclaiming his place in the NBA while diversifying his interests off the court.

The duality of Simmons' current situation—as he invests in the elite world of sport fishing while striving to return to basketball—speaks to both his passion and resilience. As he casts his line into the waters of competitive fishing, fans will be watching closely to see if he can also reel in a successful return to the NBA.

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