Former Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons swaps basketball for fishing rods as NBA free agent dives into pro sport fishing world

While his NBA career is on hold, Ben Simmons is gaining traction in an unexpected arena. In professional sport fishing, he is becoming a key player. Simmons just had a conversation with Marc J. Spears, senior NBA writer for Andscape, from his South Florida rental. He disclosed that he is currently the South Florida Sails' majority owner and controlling operator.

It is a Sport Fishing Championship franchise. The former Philadelphia 76ers player is still considering his NBA future even as he pursues his love of fishing. After playing with the Los Angeles Clippers for the second half of the previous season, Simmons is now a free agent. He informed Marc J. Spears of Andscape that he works out six days a week in Los Angeles.

Ben Simmons finds a new challenge on the open water while keeping his NBA comeback in sight

Ben Simmons has switched to professional fishing after putting his NBA career on hold. The South Florida Sails of the Sport Fishing Championship, a professional offshore saltwater fishing league, have Simmons as their new controlling operator.

The league's 16 teams compete in a season-long points format focused on top big-game fishing throughout the United States. According to Simmons, the league is an innovative sporting endeavor. He further said:

"The way I see it, it's like the new F1 [Formula 1] for fishing. The new LIV Golf for fishing… It's a very niche sport. And if you don't know, you don't know. But once you experience it and get out there and see what it's about, you're kind of in awe of what the sport is. And that's just something I've always been interested in in terms of the sport of fishing."



Pro golfers Scottie Scheffler and Talor Gooch, NFL players Randy Moss and Raheem Mostert, country music artist Brian Kelley, and NASCAR racer Austin Dillon are among the increasing number of famous SFC owners, including the Australian-born guard.

Simmons claimed that the chance fit his interests and way of life, particularly since he spends a lot of time in Miami and on the ocean. Simmons told Spears that his basketball career is far from over, despite the fact that he hasn't been on an NBA team this season, his first absence from the league since before being drafted in 2016.

After years of back and nerve problems, the three-time All-Star stated that he is doing rigorous two-a-day workouts six days a week in Los Angeles with an emphasis on strength, mobility, and rehabilitation.

Ben Simmons claims he won’t rush an NBA comeback as he focuses on reaching peak health and form

Simmons, a free agent who last played basketball for the Clippers at the end of the previous season, is still hoping to sign with a team in the coming months in order to return to the NBA. However, he told Andscape senior writer Marc J. Spears that he is not in a rush with his new endeavour into the world of professional fishing.

However, he is in no rush to return to the NBA. He said:

"I don't believe it's just [about] getting on a team.. So, if I were to play right now, I think I'd fit right into the NBA just given what I can do. But I want to give everything I can to the game. I don't think there's any point in just wasting a spot just to be out there. I think that's a little selfish. And there are guys that do it now. But that's what it is, the business."

He added:

"For me, I'm very blessed to not have to be in that situation where I need to fight right now. But I want to get to the best of my ability and physical peak to compete. Otherwise, it doesn't really serve me any purpose."

Simmons stated that if he keeps improving, he thinks he might go back and sign with a team around the All-Star break or later in the upcoming season. Simmons battled injuries with the Brooklyn Nets after a disastrous departure from the 76ers and was never able to return to All-Star form.


Also read: "I was super excited"- Terance Mann embraces new chapter with Brooklyn Nets after Los Angeles Clippers stints



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