“Retired to be a fisherman”: Fans clown Ben Simmons as he shows off massive catch on boat amid career uncertainty 

It's been months since Ben Simmons' name surfaced in NBA news circles. He reportedly turned down a contract offer from the New York Knicks, but he also shut down retirement rumors. This deep into the offseason, the fact that he's still unsigned has raised some questions about his future in the NBA.

Simmons doesn't seem to be fretting, though, and recently shared glimpses of his fishing trip. However, this did not sit well with fans, who poked fun at him for the way his career has turned out.

"He retired to be a fisherman," one fan wrote.

👑

@7ixers

@TheDunkCentral Bro found a fish thats rarer than his ability to make a 3 Im cryin 😭

marco.

@SluggaHighRolla

@TheDunkCentral Boy done “Gone Fishing” I’m afraid he’ll never ball again

Others mocked him for his constant injuries:

Dr. Anjani Jain

@DrAnjaniJJ

@TheDunkCentral He’s a pro at everything except actually playing. The moment he hits the court, it’s either flu season or injury season 😂

Sile

@Silenkurii

@TheDunkCentral What back injury? 🤣🤣

R9

@angel1315ar

@TheDunkCentral Is he injured 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Simmons, a former No. 1 pick, was projected to be one of the faces of the NBA. He drew comparisons to the likes of LeBron James and Magic Johnson, but his career took a turn after he forced his way out of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Some questioned his work ethic and mental strength. He allegedly dealt with mental health issues and anxiety, which also delayed his return to the court multiple times.

Could the Houston Rockets go after Ben Simmons?

The Houston Rockets have lost starting point guard Fred VanVleet for the season to an Achilles injury, and Simmons could fill the void if the Rockets make a move.

He's a defensive-minded player, and that suits Ime Udoka's style. Simmons would give them another switchable and big defender who can guard multiple positions. He is also an elite playmaker. His reluctance to take shots is unlikely to be an issue with Kevin Durant on the court.

Simmons won't be the focus of the offense, as they can trust Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard to handle the primary ball-handling duties. But if he's willing to take a veteran's minimum deal, he'd be a logical pickup for the second unit.