NBA: Ben Simmons, from first-round draft pick to free agent no one wants

The story of Ben Simmons would be perfect for a Hollywood movie. Class of 1996, he has been making waves from a young age. Compared, because of his height (208 cm) and role (point guard but also able to play long), all’Los Angeles Lakers’ All Star Magic Johnson, he was chosen at the number 1 call in the 2016 NBA Draft.

He seems destined for an all-star career. He wins the NBA’s best rookie award for the NBA season. He goes, three times, to the NBA’s All Star Game (2019, 2020 and 2021) and, then, eclipses.

Compounded by some physical problems but, above all, a character that is not easy, Ben Simmons begins to have difficulties. His limitations in shooting (bad from the charity line) are exploited by opponents to put him in trouble. In recent years, continuing back problems, affect his performance and appearances on the court.

In his last season, he wears, for 18 games, the Los Angeles Clippers jersey, not scoring even an average point per game. He finds himself a free agent but, throughout the summer, no call comes. On social media, the rumor begins to circulate that, at 29, the Australian is about to retire. He responds, piqued, showing a photo of his perfect physique, accompanied by a single word, namely “no”. In short, no retirement but, for the time being, also no NBA team. May he migrate to Europe?

.