{
  "id": 428126,
  "title": "Former No. 1 Pick Teases NBA Comeback With Cryptic Message",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/former-no-1-pick-teases-nba-comeback-with-cryptic-message",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-10T02:05:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/former-no-1-pick-teases-nba-comeback-with-cryptic-message-12302389"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former No. 1 draft pick, Ben Simmons, seemingly hinted at his potential return to the NBA in an Instagram post featuring a shirtless photo. In his message, he emphasized embracing all experiences and said, \"I wouldn’t change the story.\" Last season, Simmons played 17 games for the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. The Australian basketball star was the Philadelphia 76ers' first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, but he missed his rookie season due to injury. Since then, he has won the 2018 Rookie of the Year award and achieved career-best averages with the 76ers. Simmons has been a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection. He recently played for the Clippers and Brooklyn Nets before becoming a free agent after the 2024-25 season. A comeback could unfold if a team believes he can contribute significantly to their roster.",
  "summary": "The 76ers' former No. 1 draft pick Ben Simmons could be preparing for his NBA comeback after a one-season hiatus.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former No. 1 draft pick Ben Simmons hints at NBA return via Instagram post.",
    "Simmons played 17 games for Clippers last season, averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ben Simmons' potential NBA comeback would mark a significant shift for his career, which has stalled since his departure from the Philadelphia 76ers, and could offer a boost to a team willing to take him on.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}