Ben Simmons Prioritizes Long-Term Health; NCAA Eligibility Questions, Rookie Standouts, Anti-Tanking Ideas and 2026 Draft Debate Round Out News
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CONTENT:
December 30, 2025 — Los Angeles
Former No. 1 pick and three-time All-Star Ben Simmons told The Athletic he will not sign a new NBA contract until he is fully recovered from persistent back problems that have affected him “every day” for several seasons. The 29-year-old guard/forward is working out in Los Angeles and said an extended rehabilitation following the 2024/25 campaign was necessary to become “bulletproof” against future setbacks.
“I’m almost 30 and have to make the best decision for myself,” Simmons said. “It’s no fun playing when you can’t move or jump. Sometimes you have to do what feels right, even if others don’t understand.”
NCAA Yet to Clear Former NBA Players
College coaches have explored adding players with NBA experience, but a source told Jeff Goodman of Field of 68 that the NCAA has not granted eligibility to anyone who has appeared in an NBA game. An NCAA spokesperson noted that member schools are pursuing athletes with varied professional backgrounds and acknowledged that additional rule changes may be required. The spokesperson also cited recent court decisions that have disrupted eligibility regulations and reduced opportunities for high-school prospects, prompting the Association to ask Congress for help.
Early Rookie Rankings
With a little more than two months played in the 2025/26 season, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic released updated rookie rankings. The top four slots mirror the first four selections in last June’s draft:
1. Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg
2. Hornets wing Kon Knueppel
3. 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe
4. Spurs guard Dylan Harper
Pelicans center Derik Queen sits fifth on the list.
League Looks at New Anti-Tanking Measures
Tony Jones, Eric Koreen and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic examined potential rule changes aimed at discouraging teams from losing intentionally. The trio expressed the most interest in a proposal that would bar franchises from selecting in the top four of the draft in consecutive years.
Scouts Split on 2026 No. 1 Pick
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report spoke with three NBA scouts about the leading candidates for the first overall pick in 2026. Each scout backed a different prospect: Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa and Duke forward Cameron Boozer.
The next NBA draft remains 18 months away, but front-office opinions are already diverging on which player should headline the class.
Source: Hoops Rumors
