Ben Simmons is channeling a quieter chapter into a new rhythm at sea. The 29-year-old former NBA All-Star has been spending long mornings fishing off Miami, a routine he says brings calm, focus and a fresh sense of control while he works through recovery and considers his next move in basketball.
A New Routine on the Water
Onboard his 53-foot Scout boat, Simmons has embraced the patience and unpredictability of fishing. He has also invested in the sport, taking a majority stake in the South Florida Sails, a team that competes in the Sport Fishing Championship. The move reflects a broader shift: he is not only participating in a new arena, but helping shape it.
Simmons says the time away from the court has helped him reset physically and mentally. After years of back and nerve-related issues, he has been working with specialists and gradually rebuilding strength. He describes the process as learning how to feel like himself again, with training plans that include lifting, body work and court sessions as he prepares for a potential return.
From Basketball Spotlight to a Different Kind of Competition
Before this pause, Simmons built a standout basketball résumé. Born in Australia and developed at Montverde Academy in Florida, he became the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He later earned three straight All-Star selections and won Rookie of the Year, establishing himself as one of the league's most versatile playmakers.
Now, his attention is split between the water and the hardwood. Simmons says the discipline required in fishing mirrors the readiness needed in sports: stay alert, adapt quickly and trust timing. That mindset has also shaped his outlook on a comeback, with the possibility of returning to the NBA still open.
Whether he lands back in Philadelphia, Miami or elsewhere, Simmons appears focused on health first and opportunity second. His journey suggests that reinvention can be as meaningful as reinvention on the court, and that a new environment can unlock a new version of ambition. The next phase could redefine how athletes build careers beyond a single game.
