For years, Australian basketball fans have dreamed of seeing their brightest NBA exports return home, even for a brief stint, to boost the domestic game. Now, that dream might be inching closer to reality with reports that Ben Simmons – one of Australia’s most prominent basketball stars – could be considering a move to the National Basketball League (NBL). Although nothing is confirmed yet, speculation alone is enough to generate huge excitement among fans and league officials alike.
Ben Simmons, born and raised in Melbourne, has long been a household name in international basketball circles. As the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, he entered the league with enormous expectations and quickly delivered. The 6’10” point forward became a two-time NBA All-Star, Rookie of the Year, and one of the most versatile defenders in the game. His size, passing vision, and defensive prowess make him a rare commodity at the highest level of competition. But over the last few seasons, Simmons has battled injuries, mental health challenges, and criticism over aspects of his game. These factors, combined with a desire to reset and reconnect with his roots, could make a short-term return to Australia appealing.
For the NBL, even the possibility of signing Simmons is a major coup. The league has been steadily growing in popularity and quality over the past decade, thanks to shrewd marketing, international broadcasting deals, and its “Next Stars” program, which attracts top young talent from around the world. High-profile imports like LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey have already used the NBL as a springboard to NBA success, while returning Australian stars such as Andrew Bogut have helped raise its domestic profile. Adding Ben Simmons to the mix would catapult the league into a new era of visibility and prestige.
The commercial implications are equally significant. A player of Simmons’ stature would bring in sponsors, sell out arenas, and increase television viewership dramatically. This surge of interest could also inspire a new generation of Australian kids to pick up a basketball. For Basketball Australia and the NBL, this aligns perfectly with their long-term goal of making basketball the country’s most popular team sport.
From Simmons’ perspective, joining the NBL – even for a single season – could offer several benefits. It would allow him to recover and regain confidence away from the relentless scrutiny of the NBA, while still playing at a competitive level. It would also give him a chance to reconnect with family, friends, and fans back home. Moreover, such a move would strengthen his personal brand in Australia, where he has occasionally faced criticism for not playing for the Boomers in international tournaments.
Of course, plenty of hurdles remain. NBA contracts are complex, and a move of this nature would require negotiations around salary, insurance, and timing. The NBL season also overlaps with NBA schedules, which could complicate logistics. Yet, as the league grows and the Australian basketball market becomes more lucrative, these obstacles are no longer insurmountable.
Whether or not Ben Simmons ultimately dons an NBL jersey, the conversation alone signals how far the league has come. What once seemed impossible – a prime NBA star playing professionally in Australia – is now a realistic possibility. For Australian basketball fans, that’s an exciting prospect indeed.
