Rich Paul, the former agent of Ben Simmons, has provided a revealing look into the Australian basketball player’s career trajectory. In a recent podcast with sports commentator Max Kellerman, Paul defended the three-time NBA All-Star while also shedding light on why Simmons may not have reached the heights many expected of him.
Simmons, who was the first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers, quickly rose to prominence as a future NBA superstar. However, he is currently without an NBA contract for the first time and has recently ventured into professional fishing. Despite this, Simmons is not entirely lost to the NBA. The 29-year-old is rehabilitating a persistent back injury in hopes of making a return to the court.
The Decline and Ongoing Rehabilitation
Injuries have been a significant factor in Simmons’ career challenges. Earlier this week, Simmons told The Athletic’s Sam Jane that he wants his body to be “bulletproof” before considering an NBA comeback. “He also said his shot finally feels good and that he can now take a simple hook shot without any discomfort,” Jane reported.
Currently, Simmons remains outside the NBA, a topic that Paul and Kellerman explored in their podcast. The discussion centered around athletes who have not fully realized their potential, with Simmons as a prime example. Paul, a leading figure in the NBA’s agency world, disputed the notion that Simmons’ career should be seen as a failure.
Understanding Simmons’ Career Goals
Paul suggested that Simmons’ career path might not align with the traditional expectations of winning championships. “Either you love what the game brings you or you love the game,” Paul remarked, highlighting a distinction in how players approach their careers. Paul emphasized that Simmons achieved many of his personal goals, including being the number one draft pick, Rookie of the Year, a perennial All-Star, and securing a max contract.
“Everything that Ben wanted to happen for Ben happened for Ben,” Paul stated.
Paul explained that some players might reach a point of contentment after achieving their initial dreams, while others strive for further greatness. “Some guys get up that mountain and say, ‘I made it’… some guys want to go higher,” Paul elaborated.
Comparisons and Criticisms
The podcast also touched on the frequent comparisons between Simmons and other NBA greats, such as LeBron James. Kellerman noted that the 76ers likely drafted Simmons with hopes of him becoming a player of LeBron’s caliber. However, Paul criticized these comparisons, asserting that Simmons should be valued for his unique qualities.
“Ben Simmons needs to be like Ben Simmons,” Paul emphasized.
Paul, who represented Simmons from his draft day until 2023, acknowledged that he envisioned a long career for the former No.1 pick. “He was that good,” Paul stated, while also recognizing the impact of injuries and other factors on Simmons’ career.
The Future: Open Possibilities
Kellerman concluded from their conversation that Simmons’ career faltered due to a lack of the competitive drive seen in many NBA legends. “Ben Simmons’ career at a certain point died… because his mountain was not the mountain you want your best player to have,” Kellerman observed.
Yet, Paul remains optimistic about Simmons’ future, suggesting that the player’s career is still an open book. He shared a conversation with Simmons, encouraging him that there is “so much left in the tank” and that he could still command significant earnings due to his skills.
Simmons himself has indicated a potential return to the NBA, aiming for a comeback as early as the second half of this season or possibly waiting until the 2026-27 campaign. Whether Simmons will make a successful return to the NBA remains uncertain, but his journey continues to captivate and divide opinions among fans and analysts alike.
