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Ben Simmons is embracing his return to an NBA environment after spending the past year away from the game, with the Sacramento Kings guard emphasizing work, leadership and simply enjoying the opportunity to compete again.
Speaking during Kings training camp on Thursday, Simmons said his body is responding well after the first few days of practices.
“The best part is I just got normal soreness now. So, which is the best feeling in the world,” Simmons said. “Just being able to come out here and compete every day, and have that, you know, general soreness is a good thing. But I feel great.”
Simmons also described what it has been like to return to an NBA team environment.
“Just being here, you know, just coming in to work every day, doing what I love and be able to, you know, play the game with these guys,” he said.
The veteran said he is grateful for the opportunity after everything he has experienced in recent years.
“I think I’ve been through a lot, but this is I mean, I get to, you know, come in and compete now, so I’m just grateful to be here,” Simmons said.
The Kings signed Simmons to a one-year minimum contract that is not fully guaranteed. He joins a young Sacramento team that is entering a rebuilding phase after finishing 22-60 last season.
Simmons said his instructions from the organization have been straightforward.
“Be me. Be me. Literally, that’s it. Be me,” Simmons said. “Don’t defer and just, you know, create and be myself.”
He also praised head coach Doug Christie, highlighting the coach’s approach to the players.
“I love it. I think he’s a people first guy. He really cares about us,” Simmons said. “He expects everybody to come in here focused, locked in when we have to come in to work. So yeah, but he’s been great.”
Simmons has also been seen working on his three-point shooting during training camp, but he downplayed the significance of one viral clip.
“Repetition. I mean, I got an airball one and one of y’all posted it and that was the one that goes viral, but happens, you know,” Simmons said. “It’s basketball, you know. I get my shots up, get put work in. Is what it is.”
The former All-Star also spoke about the importance of being back around teammates.
“Yeah. No, I love it. There’s nothing like it,” Simmons said. “We have 82 games. We’re going to spend a lot of time with each other, probably more than we get to with our family during the season. So this is our family right here. And it’s important.”
Simmons averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists over his first seven NBA seasons, earning three All-Star selections and two All-Defensive Team selections. His most recent NBA season came in 2024-25, when he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 51 games between Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Clippers.
He acknowledged that returning to his previous defensive level will take time.
“See, I’m getting there. I’ve been away from the game for a year, so I haven’t had to guard, you know, the top guys,” Simmons said. “But I’ll get there, you know, I’m working every day and pushing myself to get there.”
As one of Sacramento’s veterans, Simmons also intends to use his experience to help the team’s younger players.
“It’s just things if I see things on the court or I can help guys out,” he said. “Just the details of the game. There’s a lot of things that you know when you come in as a rookie or a younger guy that you just don’t know. So it’s just trying to expedite the younger guys learning and decision-making.”
