Is Ben Simmons Already on the Brink of Retirement at Just 28?

Ben Simmons, once considered one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, now finds himself at a crossroads that few could have predicted. At just 28 years old—an age when most players are entering their prime—Simmons is instead battling injuries, declining production, and an uncertain future in the league. The former No. 1 overall pick, three-time All-Star, and Defensive Player of the Year candidate has seen his career take a dramatic downturn, largely due to persistent back injuries and a complicated mental battle that has affected his game. Now, with free agency looming this summer, one question looms larger than ever: Is Ben Simmons on the verge of an early retirement?

A Career Derailed by Injury

Simmons' back issues trace back to February 23, 2020, when he first injured it during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA's COVID-19 shutdown shortly after gave him time to recover, but it was clear that the injury had lasting effects.

While he managed to play 58 games in the 2020-21 season, his statistical decline was evident:

• 2019-20 season: 16.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.0 APG, 2.1 SPG, 58.0 FG%
• 2020-21 season: 14.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 55.7 FG%

Not only did his numbers dip across the board, but his offensive repertoire—already limited—became even more predictable. Simmons, never a reliable jump shooter, began to struggle with even his once-effective floater near the rim, an indication that his back issues were affecting his mobility and confidence.

The Infamous 2021 Playoff Meltdown

While his back problems were a growing concern, it was the mental side of the game that truly accelerated his fall. The 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks proved to be a turning point. In Game 7, Simmons notoriously passed up an open dunk late in the fourth quarter, a moment that became a defining lowlight of his career.

His hesitancy led to public criticism from Sixers coach Doc Rivers and star teammate Joel Embiid, which seemingly shattered his relationship with the franchise. Shortly after, Simmons cited mental health struggles as a reason for refusing to play for the team, further straining an already tense situation. Eventually, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022 as part of the blockbuster James Harden deal.

Brooklyn: A Fresh Start That Never Was

Upon arriving in Brooklyn, the optimism surrounding Simmons was high. Many believed he was a perfect fit alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving—two offensive superstars who could allow him to focus on playmaking and defense without the burden of scoring. Even Simmons himself expressed excitement, calling the trio “scary” in interviews.

However, when he finally suited up for the Nets in the 2022-23 season, reality hit hard. His production plummeted to career-low levels:

• 2022-23 season (42 games): 6.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 56.6 FG%

His defense was still serviceable, and his passing remained solid, but his offensive game was non-existent. He became a liability in half-court sets, hesitant to attack the basket, unwilling to shoot, and ineffective at the free-throw line. As a result, his role diminished, and he was eventually demoted to the bench.

Then came another setback—his lingering back injury flared up again, and the Nets shut him down after just 42 games. The official diagnosis? Nerve impingement in his lower back—a rare and concerning condition for a professional athlete.

Another Season, Another Setback

Determined to bounce back, Simmons spent the 2023 offseason posting workout videos and making bold statements about regaining his All-Star form. He talked about leading the Nets, proving doubters wrong, and making a triumphant return to elite status.

But once the season began, it became clear that little had changed.

• 2023-24 season (15 games before shutdown): 6.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 58.1 FG%
• Free-throw struggles: 40.0% (6-of-15)

After just 15 games, Simmons was shut down once again due to back issues. In March 2024, he underwent a second back surgery, a clear sign that his long-term health is a serious concern.

Even when he’s been on the floor, Simmons has looked sluggish compared to his early years. He can still pass and rebound, but his defensive impact is diminished, and his scoring remains a major issue.

To make matters worse, just before his scheduled return from illness in early 2025, Simmons once again reported lower back soreness and was pulled from the lineup last minute—a troubling sign that history is repeating itself.

The Harsh Reality: Is Retirement Unavoidable?

Simmons’ combination of injuries, mental hurdles, and a diminishing offensive game has put him in a precarious situation. While he remains under contract with Brooklyn, his deal expires this summer, making him a free agent.

And here’s the big question: Will any NBA team take a chance on him?

Teams may be reluctant to invest in a player with chronic back issues, a lack of offensive aggression, and a history of extended absences. Given his track record over the past three seasons, it’s entirely possible that no franchise will offer him anything more than a veteran minimum deal—or even worse, no deal at all.

If Simmons finds himself without an NBA contract this summer, his once-promising career could effectively be over, not by choice but by necessity.

A Tragic Fall for a Once-Bright Star

It’s impossible not to feel some level of sympathy for Simmons. In his first four seasons, he was widely considered one of the most unique talents in the league—a 6'10" point guard with elite defensive versatility and incredible passing vision.

• 2017-2021: 3× All-Star, 2× All-Defensive Team, Rookie of the Year
• 2019-20: Led the league in steals
• 2020-21: Runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year

Many great players never reach three All-Star appearances in their entire careers, yet Simmons did it by the time he was 24. He had the athletic gifts and skill set to be a game-changer for a decade or more.

But the combination of physical decline and mental struggles has resulted in a career nosedive. Injuries have robbed him of his explosiveness, while his lack of confidence and offensive growth has left him without a true role on an NBA team.

At 28, Simmons should be in his prime, but instead, he is facing a crisis that could end his career prematurely. If he does leave the NBA, it will serve as one of the most dramatic falls from grace the league has seen in recent memory.

The tragic part? It didn’t have to be this way.