{"id":909515,"date":"2026-09-29T07:20:26","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T07:20:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/909515\/"},"modified":"2026-09-29T07:20:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T07:20:26","slug":"aussie-superstar-ben-simmons-fires-big-shot-at-critics-ahead-of-nba-return-its-my-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/909515\/","title":{"rendered":"Aussie superstar Ben Simmons fires big shot at critics ahead of NBA return: \u2018It\u2019s my art\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

A revitalised Ben Simmons has called \u201cbullshit\u201d on critics who claim the reason he sat out the last NBA<\/a> season is because he doesn\u2019t love basketball.<\/p>\n

The Australian guard is back in the big league this year, having signed a $US3.5 million ($A4.9 million) deal with the Sacramento Kings.<\/p>\n

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Ben Simmons defends NBA passion ahead of Kings return<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

Simmons purchased a controlling stake in a professional sport fishing team and didn\u2019t touch a basketball during his year off, in moves that drew plenty of criticism. <\/p>\n

But the 30-year-old, who has been ravaged by injuries during his decade-long career, insists the break was purely about rebuilding his physical and mental health.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t about if I wanted to play,\u201d Simmons told reporters at the Kings\u2019 pre-season media session on Tuesday (AEST). <\/p>\n

\u201cAll these people talk about how I don\u2019t love the game – that\u2019s bullshit. <\/p>\n

\u201cI love this game. If I didn\u2019t, I wouldn\u2019t have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I\u2019m at.\u201d <\/p>\n

Simmons added he\u2019s not worried by critics chasing clicks from his name, declaring he\u2019s ready to prove to the world how much he missed basketball. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my art,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cI get to come out here and be creative and play hard and compete against a numerous amount of talented guys, so for me it\u2019s just in my blood and I\u2019ve been doing it since I was a baby.\u201d <\/p>\n

Simmons – a former No.1 overall draft pick, rookie of the year and three-time All-Star – believes the player he was at his peak \u201cwoke up\u201d while he was out of the game. <\/p>\n

And he\u2019s not short on confidence, bluntly outlining his personal goal this season. <\/p>\n

\u201cTo dominate. Every time I step on the floor – to dominate,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

Simmons last played with the Los Angeles Clippers in April 2025 and took his year off as a result of persistent back and leg injuries, which took a significant toll on his body and mind. <\/p>\n

The Melbourne-born star got serious in his comeback bid in August when he flew himself to a player-driven Boomers camp in his home town, where he impressed NBA scouts. <\/p>\n

Sacramento pounced, signing Simmons on a one-season veteran league minimum deal. <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right where I need to be,\u201d Simmons said. <\/p>\n

\u201cI took a lot of time to focus on my body over the season, and I think it\u2019s the best decision I\u2019ve made for my career. <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to getting going. I feel great, and I\u2019m ready to go. No limitations.\u201d <\/p>\n

Simmons expects to benefit from the low expectations on himself and the Kings, who were 22-60 last season and have only reached the playoffs once since 2006. <\/p>\n

Ben Simmons, pictured during his time at the Brooklyn Nets, is set to fire for Sacramento. (EPA PHOTO) <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really positive. There\u2019s no pressure,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cThey don\u2019t expect anything from us, so I think for us to go out there and show that we\u2019re capable of winning games and having a good team – that\u2019s doable. <\/p>\n

\u201cBased on this roster, I think we can do that.\u201d <\/p>\n

Sacramento open the NBA pre-season at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on October \u200b5, and visit the Clippers for their regular-season opener on \u200bOctober 21. <\/p>\n

Simmons\u2019 NBA comeback is also a step towards possible Australian Boomers selection for next year\u2019s FIBA World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.<\/p>\n

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