Australia\u2019s Ben Simmons continues to show promising signs in his NBA comeback despite Sacramento suffering a fifth consecutive pre-season defeat.<\/p>\n
The Kings were thrashed 126-97 by last season\u2019s runners-up San Antonio on Friday (Saturday AEDT), but Simmons\u2019 performance over 26 minutes was cause for optimism.<\/p>\n
The Melbourne-born veteran grew into the game after a mixed first half, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal.<\/p>\n
He went 5-of-9 from the field and scored 12 points in the third quarter alone.<\/p>\n
Simmons showcased his play-making ability as he found the likes of Kings top-scorer Zach LaVine (20 points) for open shots.<\/p>\n
It was another promising display as Simmons builds towards his first NBA regular-season game since April 2025.<\/p>\n
The 30-year-old former No.1 draft pick has faced plenty of criticism after sitting out all of last season to focus on physical and mental health.<\/p>\n
Simmons\u2019 extended stint on the sidelines followed a series of injuries that took a significant toll on the three-time All-Star\u2019s body and mind.<\/p>\n
Doubters have repeatedly questioned Simmons love of basketball, but the man himself branded that criticism \u201cbullshit\u201d after he inked his NBA return on a one-year deal with Sacramento.<\/p>\n
NBA greats Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin this week backed Simmons to reproduce some of his best basketball this season, as long as his head is in the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe 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,\u201d Griffin said at the NBA on Prime launch in New York.<\/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