A rejuvenated Ben Simmons has declared basketball is his art and he is ready to dominate and prove to the world how much he missed the sport in a year away from the game.
Simmons was a top draft pick with the Philadelphia 76ers and one of the great hopes for that team’s turnaround in fortunes. But the relationship soured and when his five-year, $250 million deal expired after the 2024-25 season, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets – then waived.
He spent his last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, and then turned his attention to professional sport fishing.
Simmons, 30, who has struggled with physical and mental health issues throughout his career, is back and ready to make a splash in his return to the NBA.
He has worked hard on shedding a back issue which had long plagued his game and, in some ways, took the pure joy away from playing.
“I think that was more so just my body. It wasn’t about if I wanted to play. All these people talk about, I don’t love the game. That’s bullshit – I love this game,” the Australian guard said.
“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I’m at.”
Former NBA player Patrick Beverley recently claimed Simmons quit when things got hard, and questioned his respect and love for the game.
“What do I love about the game? Everything. It’s my art,” Simmons said.
“You know, I get to come out here and be creative and play hard and compete against, you know, a numerous amount of talented guys. So for me, it’s just, it’s in my blood. I’ve been doing it since I was a baby.”
Simmons impressed Australian Boomers coaches and players at an unofficial squad camp in Melbourne last month, sources close to the pass-first playmaker confirming to this masthead he is keen to represent his country at the FIBA World Cup in Qatar next year.
Fellow Australian Josh Giddey, the star Chicago Bulls’ playmaker, said there was no reason why Simmons could not again be a force.
“It was awesome to see him back fit and firing in Melbourne, and I think it was awesome for him to be amongst that national team program,” Giddey told this masthead ahead of the Bulls’ media day.
“He knows how much, you know, we want him to be a part of it, and I think it’s an awesome place for him to rejuvenate his career and get back to where he belongs in the NBA. So, super excited to see him.
“He looks good. He looks really healthy and fit. And, yeah, I’m excited to watch him this year and see how he goes in Sacramento.”
Simmons averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game through his career, but outside shooting was an issue.
“I’m right where I need to be. I took a lot of time to focus on my body over the season. I think it was the best thing I’ve done and decision I’ve made for my career,” Simmons, on a one-year, $3.5 million contract, said.
“I’m looking forward to getting going. I feel great and I’m ready to go. No limitations, so ready.
“I miss playing the game a lot. But when you’re not physically right, it’s hard to want to be out there and do what you love.
“So the fact that I’m healthy, and I’m able to compete every day and play every day, I love it.”
It shapes as a tough season for an undermanned Kings’ unit in a loaded western conference. But Simmons has a goal: “Every time I step on the floor, to dominate,” he said.
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Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect via X or email.From our partners
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
