Ben Simmons Remains Unsigned as 76ers Move Forward in 2025-26 NBA Season

One of the 76ers' high-profile former players is still without a job in the NBA

As the Philadelphia 76ers kick off the 2025-26 NBA season, former number one overall pick Ben Simmons remains unsigned and out of the league. Despite being an All-NBA player just five years ago and only in his mid-20s, Simmons has faded from prominence due to performance issues and injuries. Meanwhile, his sister has sparked controversy by publicly criticizing Simmons’ ex-girlfriend, Kendall Jenner, over her baking skills.

• Ben Simmons, once a promising Sixers star, is currently a free agent and unlikely to play in the 2025-26 season.
• Simmons’ career decline began after a notable playoff meltdown in 2021, followed by injuries and ineffective stints with the Brooklyn Nets and L.A. Clippers.
• The Philadelphia 76ers have moved forward without Simmons, with Joel Embiid and Paul George returning to health and promising young players rising.
• Olivia Simmons, Ben’s sister, caused social media backlash by mocking Kendall Jenner’s cooking attempts on TikTok.
• Jenner and Simmons dated from mid-2018 to early 2019, and Olivia’s remarks provoked strong reactions defending Kendall.

Ben Simmons’ unexpected career struggles

Ben Simmons entered the NBA with high expectations when drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016. He quickly developed into a versatile All-NBA player, known for his size, passing, and defense. Yet, after the 2021 playoffs, his career trajectory took a sharp downturn. The defining moment came during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, where Simmons’ infamous performance meltdown marked a turning point.

The 76ers started the 2022-23 season without him, as he sat out due to mental health and injury issues. Later, a back nerve problem forced a trade to the Brooklyn Nets. Unfortunately, Simmons failed to regain form, producing largely ineffective performances over two and a half seasons. His subsequent contract with the Los Angeles Clippers also yielded minimal impact.

As the 2025-26 season begins, no NBA team has committed to Simmons on a meaningful contract. The only notable interest came from the New York Knicks, which likely was a minimal, non-guaranteed deal requiring him to fight for a roster spot. The consensus in the league leans toward Simmons’ career being effectively over despite his youth and potential.

How the 76ers have adapted without Simmons

From the team’s perspective, losing Simmons has not hindered progress. Joel Embiid, the franchise’s cornerstone, is healthy again. Paul George is close to returning from injury, significantly bolstering the roster. Additionally, emerging young talent such as Tyrese Maxey and high draft pick V.J. Edgecombe provide optimism about the team’s future competitiveness.

While the Sixers are not yet championship favorites, their depth and health put them in a superior situation relative to Simmons’ uncertain prospects. The team managed to pivot away from Simmons without major setbacks, underscoring their ability to rebuild and refocus efficiently.

Olivia Simmons’ viral baking critique of Kendall Jenner

Meanwhile, off the court, Ben Simmons’ sister Olivia Simmons stirred controversy through a TikTok video. She recounted a family game night during her brother’s relationship with Kendall Jenner, where Kendall attempted to bake cookies. Olivia mocked the reality star for using ready-made cookie dough rather than baking from scratch, comparing her to someone unfamiliar with culinary skills.

She also referenced a 2022 viral video showing Jenner awkwardly cutting cucumbers, an incident that sparked widespread social media jokes about her kitchen incompetence. Olivia’s remarks labeled Jenner and her family as “weird” and criticized the uneven cookies Jenner produced, sarcastically suggesting the use of a chef.

The video sparked immediate backlash, with many social media users defending Kendall Jenner and criticizing Olivia for being unnecessarily mean. Commenters questioned the relevance and pettiness of the story, noting the couple had split seven years prior.

Background on Jenner and Simmons’ relationship

Kendall Jenner and Ben Simmons began dating in the summer of 2018, confirming their relationship publicly during the Fourth of July holiday. However, their relationship lasted less than a year, ending around May 2019. Since then, both have gone their separate ways professionally and personally.

Simmons’ basketball career has been marked by significant challenges since. His initial years with the 76ers were promising, but injuries and personal struggles impacted his performance. After leaving Philadelphia in 2022, he joined the Brooklyn Nets but faced ongoing health issues, culminating in a contract buyout in 2025. He then briefly signed with the Los Angeles Clippers before becoming a free agent.

The future for Ben Simmons and public perception

Ben Simmons’ diminished media presence contrasts with his earlier reputation as a top NBA talent. Although he remains physically capable at 29 years old, his lack of team interest raises questions about whether he will ever return to form. Fans and analysts reminisce about his off-season workouts and potential prime performance, but hopes currently appear slim.

Ironically, his sister Olivia’s online commentary has brought renewed attention to the Simmons-Jenner chapter, shifting focus away from his professional challenges to personal anecdotes. Social media reactions overwhelmingly favor Kendall Jenner, praising her attempts and dismissing Olivia’s criticisms as petty.

For now, Simmons remains unsigned as the NBA season unfolds. Observers continue to speculate whether a team in need of a 6’11” playmaker may offer him a late-career lifeline or if his NBA journey has reached its final chapter. Meanwhile, the 76ers, empowered by healthy stars and rising talent, aim to contend once more without their former top pick.

Questions and answers

Q: Is Ben Simmons playing in the 2025-26 NBA season?

A: As of the 2025-26 NBA season, Ben Simmons is not currently signed to any NBA team and is not playing in the league. His status remains uncertain due to a combination of previous injuries, trade issues, and a decline in performance that has influenced teams' interest in signing him.

Q: Why is Ben Simmons unsigned in the NBA?

A: Ben Simmons remains unsigned in the NBA primarily due to concerns about his on-court performance, injury history, and previous conflicts with teams regarding trades and role expectations. Teams have been cautious about offering him contracts given his inconsistent play and the challenges he's faced in adapting to different team dynamics.

Q: Philadelphia 76ers roster updates 2025

A: In 2025, the Philadelphia 76ers roster has undergone significant changes with a focus on youth and depth. Key veterans have been moved or retired, while the team has acquired promising young talent through drafts and trades. The 76ers are aiming to build a more balanced and competitive squad to contend in the Eastern Conference.

Q: Olivia Simmons criticism of Kendall Jenner

A: There is no widely reported or notable criticism by Olivia Simmons of Kendall Jenner. Both individuals operate in different public spheres, and any claims of criticism are likely unfounded or lack significant media coverage as of now.

Q: Ben Simmons career history and decline

A: Ben Simmons was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016 and quickly gained attention for his defensive skills and playmaking. However, his career began to decline due to shooting struggles, mental health issues, and injuries, which limited his effectiveness and injured his reputation. His conflicts with teams and reluctance to adapt his playing style have further contributed to his diminishing role in the NBA.

Key Entities

Ben Simmons: Ben Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player who has played as a point guard and forward for the Philadelphia 76ers. He is known for his defensive skills and playmaking but has faced criticism for his shooting and scoring abilities.

Philadelphia 76ers: The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, competing in the NBA's Eastern Conference. The team has featured prominent players like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons and is known for its rich history dating back to 1946.

Kendall Jenner: Kendall Jenner is an American model and television personality known for her work with high-profile fashion brands and appearances on the reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. She is a prominent figure in fashion and social media, often linked to various celebrity relationships.

Olivia Simmons: Olivia Simmons is the sister of NBA player Ben Simmons and has gained public attention partly due to her family connections. She is less widely known than her brother but appears in media related to the Simmons family.

Joel Embiid: Joel Embiid is a Cameroonian professional basketball player who plays as a center for the Philadelphia 76ers. He is considered one of the NBA's top players, known for his scoring, rebounding, and dominant defensive presence.

External articles

• Ben Simmons probably doesn't have an NBA future if he ...
• Bleacher Report | Ben Simmons' NBA future seems to be ...
• Ben Simmons To Retire From The NBA In 2025

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YouTube Video

Title: How One Play Ruined the Career of Ben Simmons
Channel: Alvini Linguine
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6LmjAnRfjM
Published: 1 day ago