It's August, signaling the return of Ben Simmons headlines amid the NBA offseason.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft did not play last year while recovering from a back injury and other ailments. However, he is now eyeing a comeback for the 2026-27 NBA season. Simmons demonstrated his commitment to high-level basketball by traveling back to Melbourne for the Australian national team's player-led minicamp, which starts on Monday, according to ESPN.

Simmons aims to represent the Boomers at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, but he must prove his value and dedication to secure a roster spot in two years. Notably, he hasn't played for Australia's national team since 2013, missing the last three Olympic cycles due to various reasons.

Perhaps witnessing his NBA career potentially fade has deepened Simmons' appreciation for the game. The chance to compete in the Olympics remains one of his unfulfilled dreams.

Regarding his NBA future, Simmons stirred interest earlier this summer by expressing openness to a reunion with the Philadelphia 76ers. He won Rookie of the Year honors in 2017-18 and made three All-Star teams with the 76ers before a tumultuous exit during the 2021-22 season. His departure was fraught with challenges, including feeling scapegoated for the team's playoff failures and a fractured relationship with co-star Joel Embiid.