Ben Simmons Returns to NBA with Sacramento Kings: “I Love This Game

Speaking at the Sacramento Kings Media Day, the former All-Star guard firmly rejected criticism regarding his dedication to the sport. Simmons missed the 2025–26 NBA season entirely and played in just 108 games across four seasons between 2021–22 and 2024–25, following a high-profile exit from the Philadelphia 76ers and subsequent stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.

« The question never was whether I wanted to play… » Simmons told reporters at the Sacramento media event. « All these people talking about how I don’t love basketball, that’s bullshit. I love this game. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have taken a year to center myself and get back to where I am today. »

Addressing Back Injuries and Physical Recovery

Simmons spent his year away from the court recovering from chronic back issues and prioritizing his mental health while spending time fishing. The 30-year-old guard maintained that his physical ailments are firmly behind him as he begins training camp with the Kings.

« I’m right where I need to be, » Simmons said. « I took a lot of time to focus on my body during the season, and I think that’s the best decision I’ve made for my career. I can’t wait to get back to it because I feel good and I’m ready to go. Without restriction. »

During his early years with Philadelphia, Simmons established himself as one of the league’s premier playmakers and defenders, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2017–18 and three All-Star selections. Across 281 career games with the 76ers, he averaged 15.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game while shooting 55.8% from the field. However, persistent back injuries drastically limited his availability in Brooklyn, where he appeared in only six games during the 2022–23 season, averaging 6.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.

Role and Expectations in Sacramento

With the Kings, Simmons steps into an environment where expectations differ significantly from the pressure he faced early in his career as a franchise cornerstone. Rather than carrying primary offensive loads, his responsibilities are expected to center around perimeter defense, transition creation, and versatility.

« I’m going to be able to go out on the floor, be creative, play hard, and compete against a lot of talented players, » Simmons said. « It’s just innate to me and I’ve been doing it since I was a little kid. »

Simmons outlined ambitious personal and team goals for the upcoming campaign, pointing to the lack of external pressure on Sacramento as an advantage.

« Dominate. Dominate the moment I step on the floor, » Simmons said regarding his individual outlook. Turning to the team’s prospects, he added: « It’s very positive because there won’t be any pressure. People don’t expect anything from us, so I find it very doable to go out there and prove that we can win games and have a good team. Looking at our roster, I think we can get it done. »