\u201cI\u2019ll do everything in my power to get back, get healthy and be better than I was before. There is nothing but time and opportunity to do so. So, I\u2019m going to attack it the way I am now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Simmons was hurt during a practice drill on October 18, just days out from what would have been a triumphant return to the league.<\/p>\n
He\u2019d put in a power of work to earn his spot and impressed at the Sacramento Kings during the pre-season, only to have it ripped away at the last moment. But Simmons said the choice about his future was made while he was still down on the court.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like in that moment I had to make a decision. \u2026 \u2018Are you going to come back or let this hold you down?\u2019\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, it was just choosing and making that decision to keep going and fighting. I felt there is no other option. For me, it was like, \u2018Let\u2019s go.\u2019 Surgery and start the rehab process.\u201d<\/p>\n
The No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons was named Rookie of the Year in 2018 and went on to become a three-time All-Star, earning All-NBA Third Team honours and two All-Defensive First Team selections with the Philadelphia 76ers.<\/p>\n
He hasn\u2019t played an NBA game since 2025, but he\u2019s ready to do the work to realise the dream once again, and says he has the full support of the Kings organisation.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody in Sacramento has been amazing. They\u2019ve shown a lot of support. That is the main thing, just showing that they\u2019re there and they care. Everything else, I can deal with,\u201d\u00a0he said. <\/p>\n
Simmons insists he\u2019ll be \u201cmore than ready\u201d when he returns next season, and he\u2019s prepared to put in the hard work to prove himself again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t take anything for granted, even like showing up to practice or training camp,\u201d Simmons said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was happy to embrace each of those things regardless of whether it was a real game, practice game or scrimmage with the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Read the full story here >>\u00a0Ben Simmons: \u2018I\u2019ll do everything in my power to get back\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n