​Ben Simmons’ rapid fall from one of the NBA’s best players to a bizarre sideshow is a reminder of just how quickly professional sports careers can change. Simmons, an All-NBA player at one point who appeared destined to become one of the best two-way weapons in the game, had his ascent derailed in swift and painful fashion as he appeared to lose the confidence that propelled him to be the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.His last full season of meaningful production was back in 2020-21 when he earned MVP votes as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. Since then he’s been rumored to be on the comeback trail and social media videos of him planning his big second act have been ubiquitous. Those haven’t exactly translated to logging minutes in the NBA as Simmons has only seen action in 159 games over the past seven years.MORE: Pablo Torre reveals another secret Kawhi Leonard Clippers sponsorshipNow, 30, Simmons has a new plan to get back to where he once was—trying to play for the Australian national team.Sources tell ESPN that Simmons will be a full participant with no restrictions as the Aussies hold a player-led minicamp beginning Monday. Simmons is hoping to play for his country at the 2028 Olympics and potentially use this experience as a springboard to a new NBA deal.The level of interest for Simmons’ services is a bit unclear. Per ESPN: “Several NBA teams have expressed interest in Simmons, who is open to signing a minimum contract, according to sources. One source said he has a non-guaranteed offer on the table for minicamp with a Western Conference team.”We’ll know for sure a team is interested if they offer him a deal. Until then, it feels like a lot of rinsing and repeating of what the Simmons saga has been in recent years. To be fair, it would be an incredibly cool story if Simmons were able to use this opportunity to catapult himself back into the NBA conversation. It would show a real level of persistence and prove a lot of people wrong. There is a chance, though, that it’s just the latest rumored comeback that doesn’t end up materializing. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —