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<\/p>\nBen Simmons has been welcomed by Sacramento Kings fans, with plenty of excitement surrounding a \u2018new Ben\u2019 ahead of the NBA season.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis has broken his silence on his ongoing health battles, shutting down wild rumours about his condition.<\/p>\n
And LeBron James could be next in Pablo Torre\u2019s sights over a controversial helicopter arrangement.<\/p>\n
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Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018NEW BEN\u2019: NBA INSIDER EXCITED AS KINGS FANS GO CRAZY FOR SIMMONS<\/p>\n Ben Simmons has been introduced to the Sacramento Kings faithful, and it\u2019s safe to say there is plenty of excitement surrounding his NBA return.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if this is the old Ben Simmons to me, this is a new Ben Simmons,\u201d Spears told ESPN 1320 Sacramento.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n An NBA insider believes Sacramento Kings fans are about to see a completely different Ben Simmons this season.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cThis Ben Simmons isn\u2019t scared to shoot. Like you saw that first shot at Golden State, he shot the turnaround jumper,\u201d Spears said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t something he wanted to do before. Like I said, he wanted to shoot a three. He made three or four free throws.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, to me, maybe offensively he\u2019s better.\u201d<\/p>\n For Kings fans, it will be a welcome sign as Simmons looks to get his NBA career back on track.<\/p>\n After missing last season through injury, the Australian is looking healthy and ready to go in what could be a massive redemption season.<\/p>\n But while Spears was impressed with what he saw, there is still one thing he wants to see from Simmons.<\/p>\n \u201cHe certainly looked healthy, certainly was moving the ball up the court and showed that he still had the ability to play point,\u201d Spears said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s where I still like, okay, I\u2019m waiting to see where that is. He tells me he has it.\u201d<\/p>\n Kings head coach Doug Christie has also opened up on the club\u2019s plans for Simmons, with Sacramento taking a cautious approach to his return.<\/p>\n Simmons missed the Kings\u2019 most recent preseason game, but Christie made it clear that keeping the Australian healthy for the regular season remains the priority.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a bigger picture here, and that picture is for him to be available for 82 games in the regular season when it counts,\u201d Christie said.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cSo as much as I want him to play in front of our fans, and we want him to, we have to be smart.\u201d<\/p>\n Simmons is expected to feature when the Kings open their regular season against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/p>\n WNBA FINALS: \u2018It\u2019s insane\u2019: Aussie star lifts lid on WNBA\u2019s $1bn fairytale ahead of historic Finals showdown<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018I DON\u2019T HAVE AIDS\u2019: PORZINGIS BREAKS SILENCE ON HEALTH BATTLE<\/p>\n Kristaps Porzingis has broken his silence on his ongoing health battles, shutting down rumours that he has been battling HIV or AIDS.<\/p>\n The Golden State Warriors big man has been absent throughout the offseason and preseason as he continues to deal with an ongoing health issue.<\/p>\n But after plenty of speculation surrounding his condition, Porzingis has taken to social media to provide an update on where things stand.<\/p>\n \u201cHello people, I\u2019m working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health asap. Honestly, I\u2019m getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I\u2019ll be feeling great again soon,\u201d Porzingis wrote on X.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has definitely been frustrating dealing with some health stuff that you can\u2019t 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.\u201c<\/p>\n Porzingis then addressed the rumours surrounding his health, making it clear that the speculation was not true.<\/p>\n \u201cI appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I\u2019m in the best hands.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, everyone can relax now and I don\u2019t have hiv or aids.\u201c<\/p>\n The Warriors have since released their own statement, confirming that Porzingis has returned to the team\u2019s facilities after missing training camp and their opening five preseason games.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n However, there is still no timeline for when the big man will return to the court.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not anywhere close to where we want to be, but we\u2019re working on the right things,\u201d Kerr said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/p>\n