Full Breakdown
Ben Simmons Ventures into Professional Fishing Amid NBA Uncertainty
12/24/2025, 11:26:41 AM
Transition to Professional Fishing
Ben Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has shifted his focus from basketball to professional fishing, becoming the controlling operator of the South Florida Sails Angling Club in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC). This league, founded in 2021, features 16 teams competing in offshore saltwater fishing tournaments across the United States, including states like Texas, Florida, and New Jersey. Simmons, who has a long-standing passion for fishing, described the SFC as akin to "the new F1 for fishing" and "the new LIV Golf for fishing," emphasizing its competitive nature and the elite status it aims to achieve in the sporting world.
Background and Context
Simmons's foray into fishing comes at a time when his NBA career is in limbo. After a tumultuous period with the Philadelphia 76ers and a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets, he played 18 games for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Following his release from the Clippers, Simmons is currently a free agent, and he has expressed a desire to return to the NBA when he is physically prepared.
Official Statements & Responses
In a statement regarding his new venture, Simmons said, “I have always believed that investing in what you love means you have a responsibility to help move it forward. Sportfishing has given me incredible experiences, and SFC is creating a platform that treats offshore fishing like the elite sport it is.” He also noted that while he is focused on fishing, he is committed to maintaining his basketball skills through rigorous training, stating, “I don’t believe it’s just [about] getting on a team... I want to get to the best of my ability and physical peak to compete.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite his enthusiasm for fishing, Simmons has faced criticism online, with some fans mocking his basketball shooting struggles by drawing parallels to his new sport. Comments ranged from light-hearted jabs about his shooting accuracy to skepticism about his commitment to returning to basketball. Critics have pointed out his history of injuries and inconsistent performance, questioning whether he can regain his previous form.
What's Next
Simmons is currently engaged in intensive workouts, aiming to be in peak condition for a potential NBA return, possibly around the All-Star break or next season. He remains optimistic about his future in basketball, asserting, “I feel like I can go out and play [right now] and probably do really well... But I want to get my body to the best it’s been.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “The way I see it, it’s like the new F1 for fishing, the new LIV Golf for fishing,” — Ben Simmons, Controlling Operator, South Florida Sails
- “I have always believed that investing in what you love means you have a responsibility to help move it forward,” — Ben Simmons
- “But I want to get to the best of my ability and physical peak to compete.” — Ben Simmons
Simmons's pivot to professional fishing represents a significant chapter in his life as he navigates the complexities of his basketball career while pursuing a passion that has been a source of joy and peace for him.
