Ben Simmons is back in the NBA as a member of the Sacramento Kings, and on Monday at Media Day, he let everyone know any mention of him not loving the game should be put to rest.
“All these people talk about I don’t love the game – that’s bullshit. I love this game. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I’m at,” he said.
The 6’10’’ point guard took last season off to rehabilitate from injuries. He said he didn’t touch a basketball for the whole year or watch games, instead focusing on getting his body and mind right.
When asked about getting back to the player he was at his peak, he confidently stated: “Yeah, I’m there. He’s there. He woke up.”
At his peak, from 2018-2020 with the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons was averaging near a triple double making All Star teams and one of the best defensive players in the league. From 2022 through the 2024-25 season, it was a much different story – the move to Brooklyn, injuries, less production, fewer minutes, and the spotlight that remained.
Simmons career arc now moves into a phase of potential redemption at age 30, but he knows the expectations even at this stage of his career with the Sacramento Kings will remain.
“There isn’t and then there always is. And that’s what comes with being Ben Simmons,” he said.
Make us all believers Ben. Go Kings!
A typical Kangz media day…
https://x.com/kings_muse/status/2104674370446872960?s=20
I will never click on an x link, but I assume it says all the players are in the best shape of their lives, and the locker room vibe is immaculate.
It’s interesting, IMO, because with Anjali we were saying that if it was a son of an owner of a WNBA franchise, the whole world would be over it.
What if this were male reporters at a WNBA press conference?
Here you are.
https://bsky.app/profile/johnbull.wtf/post/3mwmcxzq64k2e
Why not?
10.4 million views now. You stay classy Sacramento media.
I think this is mainly annoying for all the frmale (sports) reporters who take their craft seriously.
100%. I was actually worried it was Morgan for a second but it didn’t sound like her.
My expectations are low, but I’m rooting for the guy. Even he is just 60% the player he was in Philly, that’s good to have off the bench.
yeah, I am not how many 6’10” players could play elite defense and be a speedy point guard. Even Kidd had to slow down at some point in his career.
Curious to see what type of player he’ll be this year. At the minimum, I think he’s a valuable bench player, but I think he can compete for a starting spot also. Doug Christie was an elite defender with a below average three point shot who brought the ball up the court half the time, allowing Bibby to play off the ball more. Could Simmons have a role like that?
Sounds like he likes playing with Lavine also. That could be good.
The Sacramento Kings have signed big man Viktor Lakhin to an Exhibit 10 contract. If only for his nickname: “The Lakhin-ess Monster” he’s worth it.
What’s your vector Viktor?
Over-Under!
I have a feeling that it’s already been decided that Simmons will start as a point forward. I could be wrong but I don’t Perry signed him to come off the bench. Acuff. Lavine, Simmons, Murray, Sabonis will the starting five.
It’ll be interesting if 1-year, 3.5 million Ben Simmons starts over 4-year, 90 million DeAndre Hunter on Opening Night.
Possible, but I have a hard time seeing it.
Russ Westbrook says hi.
100%. But he didn’t start opening night.
Outside of the young players, I am strangely most excited to see what Ben Simmons has left!
Play strong defense, rebound and move the ball. Could possibly be a good role player off the bench depending on his mentality. Nothing to lose.
Badge Legend