Ben Simmons has been welcomed by Sacramento Kings fans, with plenty of excitement surrounding a ‘new Ben’ ahead of the NBA season.

Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis has broken his silence on his ongoing health battles, shutting down wild rumours about his condition.

And LeBron James could be next in Pablo Torre’s sights over a controversial helicopter arrangement.

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‘NEW BEN’: NBA INSIDER EXCITED AS KINGS FANS GO CRAZY FOR SIMMONS

Ben Simmons has been introduced to the Sacramento Kings faithful, and it’s safe to say there is plenty of excitement surrounding his NBA return.

The former No. 1 overall pick is back in the league, and according to NBA insider Marc Spears, fans could be about to see a completely different version of the Australian.

“I don’t know if this is the old Ben Simmons to me, this is a new Ben Simmons,” Spears told ESPN 1320 Sacramento.

Spears believes there have already been some encouraging signs from Simmons, particularly on the offensive end, where he has faced plenty of criticism throughout his career.

An NBA insider believes Sacramento Kings fans are about to see a completely different Ben Simmons this season.Source: Getty Images

“This Ben Simmons isn’t scared to shoot. Like you saw that first shot at Golden State, he shot the turnaround jumper,” Spears said.

“It wasn’t something he wanted to do before. Like I said, he wanted to shoot a three. He made three or four free throws.

“So, to me, maybe offensively he’s better.”

For Kings fans, it will be a welcome sign as Simmons looks to get his NBA career back on track.

After missing last season through injury, the Australian is looking healthy and ready to go in what could be a massive redemption season.

But while Spears was impressed with what he saw, there is still one thing he wants to see from Simmons.

“He certainly looked healthy, certainly was moving the ball up the court and showed that he still had the ability to play point,” Spears said.

“He had that beautiful pass to your centre for the dunk, but I still need to see some kind of boom, alley-oop, catch, dunk on somebody.

“That’s where I still like, okay, I’m waiting to see where that is. He tells me he has it.”

Kings head coach Doug Christie has also opened up on the club’s plans for Simmons, with Sacramento taking a cautious approach to his return.

Simmons missed the Kings’ most recent preseason game, but Christie made it clear that keeping the Australian healthy for the regular season remains the priority.

“There’s a bigger picture here, and that picture is for him to be available for 82 games in the regular season when it counts,” Christie said.

“So as much as I want him to play in front of our fans, and we want him to, we have to be smart.”

Simmons is expected to feature when the Kings open their regular season against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22.

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‘I DON’T HAVE AIDS’: PORZINGIS BREAKS SILENCE ON HEALTH BATTLE

Kristaps Porzingis has broken his silence on his ongoing health battles, shutting down rumours that he has been battling HIV or AIDS.

The Golden State Warriors big man has been absent throughout the offseason and preseason as he continues to deal with an ongoing health issue.

But after plenty of speculation surrounding his condition, Porzingis has taken to social media to provide an update on where things stand.

“Hello people, I’m working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health asap. Honestly, I’m getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I’ll be feeling great again soon,” Porzingis wrote on X.

“It has definitely been frustrating dealing with some health stuff that you can’t exactly pinpoint, on top of injuries throughout my career, so it has added up for sure, but we will get through it Health is wealth. Thank you for all the support.“

Porzingis then addressed the rumours surrounding his health, making it clear that the speculation was not true.

“I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I’m in the best hands.

“So, everyone can relax now and I don’t have hiv or aids.“

The Warriors have since released their own statement, confirming that Porzingis has returned to the team’s facilities after missing training camp and their opening five preseason games.

The club revealed that the 31-year-old met with general manager Mike Dunleavy and vice president of player health and performance Dr Rick Celebrini.

However, there is still no timeline for when the big man will return to the court.

The Warriors confirmed that Porzingis will remain out indefinitely as he continues to work through his health issues, although he will be around the team.

His absence comes as Golden State coach Steve Kerr admitted the Warriors still have plenty of work to do ahead of the new NBA season.

“We’re not anywhere close to where we want to be, but we’re working on the right things,” Kerr said.

Golden State still has a veteran core led by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, while Jimmy Butler is expected to return around Christmas after suffering an ACL injury.

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THE KING UNDER INVESTIGATION… PABLO TORRE TO STRIKE AGAIN?

Pablo Torre has become a big name in the NBA world following his investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard, but now he is turning his attention to the biggest name in basketball.

LeBron James.

The four-time NBA champion has reportedly been given access to a Fanatics helicopter, allowing him to travel between Philadelphia and New York for training and games.

With James living in New York, the arrangement allows him to save thousands of dollars and plenty of time travelling between the two cities for each trip.

But it’s the fact that James can reportedly use the helicopter for free that has raised some eyebrows around the NBA.

LeBron James could be the next NBA superstar in Pablo Torre’s sights, with the journalist looking into his helicopter arrangement with Fanatics.Source: AP

The arrangement is believed to be part of his deal with Fanatics, which he signed back in 2024 while still playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.

And now, Pablo Torre is looking into it.

Torre has revealed that NBA owners have contacted him about James’ use of the Fanatics helicopter, with the journalist confirming he is “looking into” the situation.

It comes after Torre’s investigation into the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard put the spotlight on potential salary cap circumvention.

The Clippers were subsequently stripped of five first-round draft picks across the next five seasons, with Torre’s reporting playing a major role in bringing the case into the spotlight.

There is also an interesting connection between Fanatics and the NBA.

Fanatics owner Michael Rubin previously held an ownership stake in the Philadelphia 76ers before selling it in 2022.

Rubin stepped away from the franchise as Fanatics continued to expand into sports betting and player sponsorships, creating potential conflicts of interest with NBA ownership rules.

Now, with Torre taking an interest in James’ arrangement, it remains to be seen whether there is anything more to the story.