Ben Simmons said he feels physically ready and determined to prove himself after returning to the NBA with the Sacramento Kings following a year away from the league.
Speaking during Sacramento’s media day on Monday, September 28, Simmons said he enters his 10th NBA season without any physical limitations after spending the past year focused on his body and mind.
“I’m right where I need to be,” Simmons said. “I took a lot of time to focus on my body over the season. And I think it was the best thing I’ve done and decision I’ve made for my career. I’m looking forward to getting going, feel great and I’m ready to go. No limitations, so ready to go.”
Simmons also discussed his relationship with Kings general manager Scott Perry, saying he appreciates the directness he has experienced in Sacramento.
“I think just speaking with Scott, he seems very genuine, real and forward with everything,” Simmons said. “I think that’s something you don’t really get in this league all the time. So I think it’s a mutual respect right there.”
The three-time All-Star acknowledged that expectations surrounding both him and the Kings are relatively low, but he believes that can create an opportunity.
“I feel like that’s something that’s been on me too, so we can relate in that way,” Simmons said. “I think we have a chip on our shoulder.”
For Simmons, the motivation is primarily personal. He said he did not know whether he would have another NBA opportunity after stepping away from basketball for a year, but ultimately chose to bet on himself.
“Given that I took a year off, didn’t know if I was gonna have opportunity to get back in the league, but that was a chance I took and I bet on myself and I’m here today,” Simmons said. “I believe in my game and what I can contribute to this team. So I’m looking forward to showing that.”
Simmons strongly rejected the idea that his time away reflected a lack of love for basketball.
“I love this game,” he said. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I’m at. That’s just people talking.”
Asked about the journey back, Simmons said he completely stepped away from basketball while prioritizing his physical recovery.
“I didn’t touch a ball for the whole year. I didn’t watch basketball. I just focused on getting my body right and my mind right,” Simmons said. “I knew at the time when I was ready to go, it would click, and that’s what happened.”
Simmons described the game as his “art” and said competing remains central to who he is.
“It’s my art,” Simmons said. “I get to come out here and be creative and play hard and compete against a numerous amount of talented guys. So for me it’s just in my blood.”
The 30-year-old also addressed his approach to the 2026-27 season, offering an ambitious answer when asked what he wants to bring to Sacramento.
“To dominate,” Simmons said. “Every time I step on the floor, to dominate.”
Simmons last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season, when he appeared in 51 games for Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds.
