The 29-year-old top pick has made his decision! This season, he will skip the NBA and switch to professional fishing, becoming a team owner!

The number one pick from 2003 is still in his prime fighting years. The 2016 top pick’s journey is toward the stars and beyond.

Recently, Ben Simmons spoke to the media.

He stated that he will not return this season.

His goal is to come back to the NBA in the 2026-27 season.

"I'm nearly 30 years old, and I must make the best choice for myself. Playing games without being able to move, jump, or contest isn’t enjoyable at all," he said.

"Sometimes, you have to make decisions based on how you feel and what benefits you. That’s what I’ve done, but not everyone can truly understand because they haven’t been through what I have."

He revealed that he still trains six days a week to prepare for his NBA comeback.

During his time away from the court, Simmons also accomplished something significant:

He became the majority owner and operator of the South Florida Sailfish team in the professional nearshore saltwater fishing league (SFC).

Founded in 2021, the league includes 16 professional clubs and hosts events along the U.S. coastline.

The SFC has attracted crossover investors like golf star Schauffele and NFL legend Moss, and Simmons’ involvement further expands the roster of celebrity owners.

He plans to commercialize the league, promoting offshore fishing as an elite sport through broadcasting and competitive formats.

Since leaving the Clippers, he has devoted more time and energy to professional fishing, frequently sharing fishing photos on social media and thoroughly enjoying it.

Whether Simmons still loves basketball is unknown.

But when it comes to fishing, this man is truly hooked.

When I heard this news, the first person who came to mind was an old acquaintance:Larry Sanders.

At his peak, he retired, giving up nearly $22 million and asked the Bucks to buy out his contract.

"I am a person, a father, an artist, an author, a painter, and a musician; sometimes, I also play basketball."

After signing a big contract, Sanders gradually grew tired of basketball. To him, it was just a side job, a means to make a living.

Writing, painting, reading, and music were what truly interested him.

But after all, poetry and distant dreams require a ticket.

Later, Sanders probably spent most of his money, briefly returned to the league, and even played in the Taiwanese league for a while.

Idealists always compromise when faced with reality.

For Simmons, the good news is he has earned more than Sanders.

His total NBA career earnings are about $203 million, mainly from his rookie contract with Philadelphia after the 2016 draft and subsequent max extensions; his last five-year $177.2 million deal expired this summer.

Taxes are one thing, but as a top pick, he also has endorsement income.

So his net worth has long surpassed 100 million.

If Simmons manages his finances well and avoids bad habits, like having multiple illegitimate children, he could completely relax and enjoy life...

Some fans may feel regret that he never fulfilled his potential and recall Kobe earnestly urging him to practice shooting.

But we must admit, not every player can live a monk-like disciplined life like Kobe, LeBron, or Curry after earning huge wealth.

Simmons’ lifestyle is, in some ways, enviable. Play when there’s basketball; if not, turn to embrace a broader world and live well.

Whether in a stadium filled with cheering fans or on the roaring sea, as long as you find your passion, that is a good life.

By the way, who knows, maybe one day Simmons will also put down basketball and leave the NBA to return to his vast ranch to enjoy the peace and freedom of horseback riding and herding.

After all, he never cried when winning the NBA championship.

But he did shed tears of joy when his horse won...