Ben Simmons' blunt one word answer to media critics

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Galvanised potential Australian Boomer Ben Simmons called “bulls**t” on critics claiming he didn’t love basketball as one of the reasons he sat out the 2025-26 NBA season to go fishing.

“It was more so just my body,” Simmons declared at the Sacramento Kings media day today.

“It wasn’t about whether I wanted to play. All these people talk about how I don’t love the game – that’s bulls**t.

“I love this game.

“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I’m at.”

Simmons has been the subject of thousands of critical stories, tweets, posts, and media personalities' opinions since spending the past year out of the NBA.

“That’s just people talking,” Simmons added.

“People want clicks. People want to get their podcast off.

“It does hit (me at) a point, but at this stage of my career and life, I’m not worried about it.

Simmons was then asked: “Is the player you were at your peak still there?”

He answered: “Yeah, I’m there. He’s there. He woke up.”

Simmons, 30, planted the comeback seed in Men’s Health in the US summer, then flew himself to Melbourne for a Boomers mini-camp that drew rave reviews from established stars including Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels.

A week later, the three-time NBA All-Star signed with the Sacramento Kings for the veteran league minimum USD $3.5 million.

“I’m excited to be entering my 10th season, ready to get it going and looking forward to it,” Simmons said.

“I’m right where I need to be. I took a lot of time to focus on my body over the season, and I think it’s the best decision I’ve made for my career. I’m looking forward to getting going. I feel great, and I’m ready to go. No limitations.”

Between 2017 and 2021, Simmons was a 3× NBA All-Star (2019–2021); All-NBA Third Team (2020); 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2020, 2021); NBA Rookie of the Year (2018); NBA All-Rookie First Team (2018); and NBA steals leader (2020).

But a public breakup with the Philadelphia 76ers, a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, and an injury derailed what could have been Australia’s first NBA Hall of Fame career.

The Kings showed genuine interest in signing Simmons after word – and vision – spread he was back to his physical best.

“Speaking with Scott, he seems very genuine, real and forward with everything,” Simmons revealed.

“That’s something you don’t really get in this league all the time, so there’s mutual respect right there.

“Then, obviously, seeing this team – I think the expectations are low, but I feel like that’s something that’s been on me too. We can relate in that way.

“I think we have a chip on our shoulder.

“It’s no pressure. They don’t expect anything from us. For us to go out there and show that we’re capable of winning games and having a good team, I think that’s doable.

“Based on this roster, I think we can do that.”

As for what his return to the NBA means, Simmons said it’s: “Everything. It’s my art. I get to come out here and be creative, play hard and compete against so many talented guys. It’s in my blood. I’ve been doing it since I was a baby.

“Given that I took a year off, I didn’t know if I was going to have an opportunity to get back in the league. That was a chance I took. I bet on myself, and I’m here today.

“I believe in my game and what I can contribute to this team, so I’m looking forward to showing that.”

Simmons also revealed what he learned and what it was like spending a year away from basketball.

“A lot,” he said.

“A lot of stuff about fishing and about myself – that I’m resilient. A lot can deter you and throw you off track, but for me, it’s about being organic to myself and who I am as a person, and continuing to show that.”

The Sacramento Kings play their first pre-season game against Matisse Thybulle's Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 1pm (AEDT) and open their season against his former club, the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, October 22, 2026 1.30pm (AEDT).

This is a large part of Ben Simmons' interview in a Q&A

Reporter: You mentioned low expectations from the outside for yourself and the team. Can that be a positive?

Simmons: Yeah, it’s really positive.

Reporter: What does the idea that there aren’t many expectations for you do for you?

Simmons: There isn’t, then there always is. That’s what comes with being Ben Simmons.

Reporter: Does it feel surreal to be back in the gym with this opportunity?

Simmons: It just feels right.

Reporter: After being in a lot of big markets, how much are you looking forward to being in Sacramento?

Simmons: Both have perks and cons, but Sacramento has been beautiful. I love being here. I’ve had a chance to look around and explore, so I’m very happy to be here.

Reporter: Have you gone fishing here yet?

Simmons: Not yet. I will, though.

Reporter: What do you think about how the conversation around mental health has evolved? How would you describe where you were when things were tough compared with where you are now?

Simmons: It’s really important for everybody. In life, there are so many different things people go through, negatives and positives. It’s about finding that balance and doing things that keep you grounded and happy.

Reporter: And where you were compared with where you are now?

Simmons: Night and day. Night and day.

Reporter: What was the journey like over the last year to stay competitive?

Simmons: Just focusing on my body. That was the main thing. I didn’t touch a ball for the whole year. I didn’t watch basketball. I just focused on getting my body right and my mind right. I knew that when I was ready to go, it would click, and that’s what happened.

Reporter: How much did you miss touching a basketball?

Simmons: I missed playing the game a lot, but it’s hard when you’re not physically right. It’s hard to want to be out there doing what you love without being physically right. The fact that I’m healthy and able to compete and play every day – I love it.

Reporter: Sacramento fans have a reputation for embracing new players. Are you excited to play for them?

Simmons: I can’t wait. I’m hearing really positive things about the Sacramento fans. I want to come out here, compete hard, play hard, work every day and give everything I’ve got to the team.

Reporter: Was Dave Patrick a big influence on you?

Simmons: Definitely. I was just with him a few months ago back in Australia. We have a close relationship, and he’s always spoken highly of Sac.

Reporter: You were 19 when you were drafted. Darius Acuff Jr is the same age. What advice would you give him?

Simmons: There’s going to be a lot of advice I give him throughout the year. I think: stay even. Don’t let the highs get too high and the lows get too low. He’s got a great work ethic, and I’m excited to see him grow and be a leader. He’s getting there, so I’m impressed.

Reporter: Do you see similarities between you two at that age?

Simmons: You’re so young and so fresh to it all. It’s all new. For him, it’s about learning and getting the details of the game down. But he’s got the talent, the skill and the work ethic.

Reporter: What are you hoping to bring to this team? What are your goals this year?

Simmons: To dominate. Every time I step on the floor, to dominate.

Reporter: Which players on this roster are you excited to play with?

Simmons: Zach would be somebody. Over the years, I’ve always admired his game. We’ve never had an opportunity to play together, so this is it now. I’m looking forward to playing with him. Sabonis, Malik – all the guys. I think we’ve got a good roster.

Reporter: I’m new to fishing. Do you have any advice?

Simmons: It’s a lot of knowledge you’ve got to gain, so you’ve got to get out there and experience it. Go get some poles, get a reel, get some gear, get some lines. There’s a lot to it.

Reporter: Earlier, you said, “I’m there,” when asked about the player you used to be. Are you saying you’re there now or that you can get there?

Simmons: I feel like I’m there. It’s a mentality. There are days when I’m pushing myself to get better and better. That’s all it is. Right now, I feel like I’m getting there. I feel great physically. I can’t wait.