NBA greats Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin have backed a rejuvenated Ben Simmons to reproduce some of his best basketball, as long as the Australian veteran\u2019s head is in the game.<\/p>\n
A raft of critics questioned Simmons\u2019 love of the sport after he sat out all of last season and chose not to pick up a basketball during his time off.<\/p>\n
But the Melbourne-born 30-year-old called \u201cbullshit\u201d on those claims ahead of the new season, insisting his extended break was purely about mending his battered body and mind.<\/p>\n
Simmons, who has been plagued by injuries during his decade-long career, is back in the world\u2019s best league on a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings worth $US3.5 million ($A4.9 million).<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully he\u2019s excited to play,\u201d Hall of Famer Nowitzki said at the NBA on Prime launch in New York.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that was some of the issue – he lost some of his passion for the game – so hopefully he\u2019s regaining that.\u201d<\/p>\n
A three-time All-Star (2019-2021) before injuries took hold, Simmons has shown some encouraging signs with Sacramento while being carefully managed through the pre-season.<\/p>\n
The former No.1 draft pick is tipped to join rookie Darius Acuff and fellow veteran Zach LaVine in the starting line-up when the Kings open the regular season away to the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22 (AEDT).<\/p>\n
\u201cSo far in pre-season he\u2019s been playing good, he\u2019s looking good and his body\u2019s ready,\u201d Nowitzki said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish him well because when he first got in the league he was so exciting, so explosive, so athletic and making plays off the dribble.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully he can get back to some of that and have a great season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griffin played briefly alongside Simmons with the Brooklyn Nets and believes his former teammate will have a point to prove in his comeback under Kings coach Doug Christie.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe haven\u2019t seen him healthy in a long, long time,\u201d six-time All-Star Griffin said.<\/p>\n
\u201c(In Brooklyn) he wasn\u2019t right. His back wasn\u2019t right and obviously the years that followed showed that and he had to have a procedure.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut he is incredibly talented, he\u2019s a big body and he can defend so many positions. Downhill he gets to the rim and he\u2019s a great passer.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to see a great year from him because he\u2019s a special talent and I think the league is better off with a guy like him in it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nowitzki and Griffin have again teamed up as experts for the second season of Prime Video\u2019s NBA coverage.<\/p>\n
They are joined by a host of former players, including former MVP Steve Nash and retired Venezuelan guard Greivis Vasquez, who feels the wave of criticism could fuel Simmons\u2019 comeback.<\/p>\n
\u201cI truly believe he\u2019s got so much freakin\u2019 fire inside of him to prove people wrong. He was a superstar in this league,\u201d Vasquez told AAP.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can never question the heart of a champion. He\u2019s had his ups and downs … but I believe he\u2019s in a better situation mentally and basketball-wise now.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s an unbelievable athlete and he\u2019s not only able to initiate on offence but his athleticism and his size are important for the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vasquez said Simmons simply needs to remain healthy in order to find his rhythm on the court and believes Sacramento is a great fit for the versatile Australian.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got the experience to get back on top and able to perform at the highest level,\u201d Vasquez said.<\/p>\n
\u201c(But) this league is rough. It\u2019s a cold business, the NBA.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got a roster spot and that\u2019s a blessing, but now he\u2019s got to perform.\u201d<\/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