Ben Simmons, once the crown jewel of Australian basketball, now finds himself in the unfamiliar position of being without an NBA contract. Despite past accolades, including multiple All-Star appearances and a max contract, Simmons’ path has taken an unexpected turn. His former agent, Rich Paul, recently opened up in a podcast with Max Kellerman, offering a nuanced and personal reflection on Simmons’ rise, fall, and what might still be left in the tank.

Simmons’ Current Status: From Courtside to Fishing Lines

Now 29 years old, Simmons is recovering from a persistent back injury and recently made headlines for launching a professional fishing venture. Though he’s not officially retired, his absence from the league—and the silence surrounding a comeback—has left fans and analysts wondering whether this is the beginning of the end or merely a pause.

In a conversation with The Athletic’s Sam Jane, Simmons stated he wants his body to be “bulletproof” before stepping back onto an NBA court. “He also said his shot finally feels good and that he can now take a simple hook shot without any discomfort,” Jane reported.

Rich Paul’s Perspective: The Mountain Metaphor

Appearing on a podcast with Max Kellerman, Rich Paul—founder of Klutch Sports and one of the most influential agents in the NBA—offered a candid take on Simmons’ journey. Paul rejected the notion that Simmons’ career should be considered a failure, noting that all of Simmons’ personal goals had been achieved early on.

“Everything that Ben wanted to happen for Ben happened for Ben,” Paul said. “He was the number one pick in the draft, he was the Rookie of the Year, he was a perennial All-Star, he was All-NBA and he got the max contract.”

Paul pointed to a broader truth in pro sports. “Either you love what the game brings you or you love the game,” he said, suggesting Simmons may have viewed reaching the NBA as the end goal, not the beginning of a relentless pursuit of greatness.

“So, you’re going up that mountain and some guys get up that mountain and (are) saying, ‘(exhales) I made it’… some guys get there and it’s like, ‘Good. I got up there. Now I’m going to go back down’. Some guys and (are) like, ‘OK, now I want to go higher’ and that’s the difference.”

From 2017 to 2021, Simmons racked up accolades: 3-time NBA All-Star, All-NBA Third Team, NBA Rookie of the Year, 2-time All-Defensive First Team selection, and the league leader in steals in 2020. He was also a consensus All-American in college and had an elite prep career.

Still, for many fans and analysts, Simmons’ legacy feels unfulfilled. His defensive prowess and playmaking ability once drew comparisons to LeBron James. But the lack of development in his shooting and his mental health struggles during high-pressure playoff moments left a mark.

“Waste of Talent”? Paul Pushes Back

During the podcast, Kellerman admitted that some—including himself—may remember Simmons as a “waste of talent.” Paul challenged that framing directly.

“That’s you as a fan wanting more for you. We don’t know what he wanted for him,” Paul said.

It’s a poignant response that reframes the discussion: Was Simmons chasing greatness, or was he content once his own goals were achieved?

Throughout Simmons’ career, expectations were sky-high—especially when Magic Johnson dubbed him the “best all round player I’ve seen” since LeBron James. But Paul believes such comparisons do more harm than good.

“See, what we do in sports is we say, ‘Oh, Ben Simmons needs to be like this person’. No, Ben Simmons needs to be like Ben Simmons,” Paul said.

After parting ways with agent Bernie Lee, Simmons has reportedly re-signed with Klutch Sports. According to reports, he had previously turned down interest from teams like the New York Knicks. His return to Paul’s agency could signal renewed focus on a potential NBA return.

During the podcast, the conversation began with Cam Reddish—another Klutch client—who recently signed to play in Lithuania after six seasons in the NBA. Kellerman then pivoted to Simmons, pointing out the stark contrast in trajectories.

“You also represented Ben Simmons, who for a minute looked like the – at one point I thought, and I think I said on First Take back then, he was the best show in sports,” Kellerman said. “He’s 6-foot-10 with a handle and a great passer. He couldn’t shoot at all, but that looked like the only thing missing. And all of a sudden, it’s like he fell off a cliff.”

Dirk Nowitzki Weighs In

NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki also shared his perspective on Simmons’ career during a preseason interview in 2025.

“I mean, he had all the talent in the world,’’ Nowitzki said. “Not quite sure all the stuff that happened there in Philly but it was disappointing. He was like the rising star there for a long, long time. So we’ll see what happens.”

“It’s still early. Sometimes things get picked up later. You just got to stay ready, stay working out.”

“There’s still a bunch of free agents out there that I thought had a chance to be in the league. But there’s just unfortunately only so many spots in our league … hopefully Ben can find a way back in.”

Rich Paul had envisioned a long career for Simmons. “If it were up to me, I’d want him to have a 20-year career,” he said. But with hindsight, Paul acknowledged how team perspectives shift over time.

“You can’t ignore what happened. From a team perspective, if you’re deciding who to draft or acquire, you don’t want Ben Simmons because it’s a dead end,” Paul said.

Kellerman responded, “But you’re saying that now, not on draft day.”

Paul replied, “I have more information now.”

Despite the harsh realities, Paul believes Simmons still has untapped potential.

“You’ve got so much left in the tank. If you just become a pick-and-roll five late in games, your playmaking makes you a different rolling big. You could guard all five positions. If you just become that guy, you’re playing 30 minutes. So the book might still be open.”

Simmons’ Potential Return: “I Don’t Want to Waste a Spot”

In a December 23, 2025 interview with Bleacher Report, Simmons offered his own perspective on a return.

“I don’t believe it’s just [about] getting on a team,” he said. “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. And there are guys that do it now. But that’s what it is, the business.”

“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.”