Simmons hits back after being called ‘biggest thief in NBA history’
Ben Simmons has hit back at the many critics who don’t believe he was worthy of a return to the NBA after a year away from the game.
The Australian took a year out of the league to focus on physical and mental health recovery, after battling a significant back issue across in recent seasons, that saw him fall from perennial All-Star with Philadelphia to barely coming off the bench for Brooklyn and the LA Clippers.
Ben Simmons hits back at critics. Supplied
The 30-year-old recently signed with the Sacramento Kings for the upcoming season, a move that drew the ire of American media.
ESPN talking head Stephen A Smith called Simmons the “biggest thief in NBA history”, slammed him for walking away from the game, adding “how come he isn’t paying Sacramento to play for them?“.
Former NBA guard Patrick Beverley accused him of “quitting the game of basketball” and believes others should have received a second opportunity in the league ahead of him.
Speaking in depth for the first time since signing with the Kings, Simmons was asked if he thought he might never play in the NBA again.
He said he did have that concern, but only because of his body and health, not because of his passion or desire to compete at the highest level.
"People talk about how 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," Simmons told reporters.
"(Those comments) are just people talking. You hear stuff all the time. It's just people talking. People want clicks, they want to get their podcast off.
"It does at a point (take a toll on you), but at this stage of my career and life I'm not worried about it."
Simmons said his mental health is "night and day" compared to where it was before his break from the game and said the decision to step away was the best thing he could have done.
"I took a lot of time to focus on my body, I think it's the best thing I've done and the best decision I've made for my career," the former No.1 pick said.
"I feel great and feel ready to go. No limitations. Ready to go.
"Given I took a year off, I didn't know if I was going to have an opportunity to get back into this league, but I bet on myself and I'm here today. I believe in my game and what I can contribute.
Can Ben Simmons get back to his best? Getty
"I didn't touch a basketball for a whole year. I just wanted to get my mind right. I knew when I did it would click."
Simmons made an All-NBA team and was a superstar on the Philadelphia 76ers, before it all began to go wrong, first with his shooting confidence and then his body falling apart.
Asked if he's confident he can return to his very best this season, the Aussie was bullish.
"I'm there. He's there. He woke up," Simmons said.
Simmons has indicated his desire to play for the Boomers in the 2028 LA Olympics.
He is yet to make his Boomers debut, outside of junior competitions.
