Ben Simmons Gets Powerful Backing as 8th NBA Season Begins With Plenty to Prove

Ben Simmons is set to embark on his eighth season with the Sacramento Kings as they commence their ninth NBA campaign. After a season-long absence to recover from injuries and mentally reset, Simmons has returned to action. Over the summer, the Australian talent signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract. This marks a new chapter for Simmons, who once played for the Philadelphia 76ers, though he has evolved since his earliest days in the league.

Despite being drafted first overall by Philadelphia in 2016, Simmons only ever made it to the second round of the playoffs with the team. Criticisms of his post-playoff performance, notably in the 2021 series against the Atlanta Hawks, tarnished his reputation. Fans and media questioned his shooting ability, which ultimately led to a lack of trust in his abilities.

However, former Philadelphia guard Gilbert Arenas has come out in support of Simmons' return, asserting that the towering 6'10" guard is a significant mismatch for most NBA point guards. Arenas highlights Simmons' impressive stats from his first four NBA seasons, suggesting that any perceived shortcomings were unjustified. At 6-foot-10, Simmons' height and playmaking skills give him a distinct advantage against most guards.

Simmons' play style, characterized by playmaking over scoring, has often been a source of frustration for fans and analysts alike. In the 2021 NBA playoffs, he faced criticism for passing up an open shot near the basket during a fourth-quarter game against the Hawks. Despite being significantly taller than Trae Young, Simmons opted to pass the ball to Matisse Thybulle, who was subsequently fouled.

Simmons addressed the recent viral clip of him shooting three-pointers, admitting that his missed shot was the one that went viral. He emphasized that basketball is a game of ups and downs, and he remains committed to proving his worth in the league. As the Kings' training camp kicked off, the one-time All-NBA guard remains focused on demonstrating his continued value and talent.