Beverley takes aim at Simmons, Ben responds: “This isn’t a gift”
Patrick Beverley criticizes Ben Simmons’ return to the NBA with the Sacramento Kings, mentioning Oladipo and Cam Thomas. The Australian guard didn’t hold back in his response
Ben Simmons has signed a one-year, $3.5 million non-guaranteed contract with the Sacramento Kings, returning to the NBA after spending a season without a team.
The reaction from Patrick Beverley was immediate – but not the only one – “Uncle Pat” questioned whether Simmons deserves another opportunity, arguing that players such as Cam Thomas and Victor Oladipo have a stronger case for a roster spot.
First of all, I don’t like this at all. I don’t think it’s right that someone can leave basketball and then just come back. Then you look at Victor Oladipo, who’s still trying, who put himself back out there and went all the way to the G League. We have Gabe Vincent without a team, Cam Thomas without a team…
Patrick Beverley
Simmons responded directly in an Instagram comment:
Leave? I played for two years without being physically healthy. This isn’t a gift. I worked hard to put myself in a position to play the sport I love. You guys will continue to make up stories that benefit you, and that says much more about who you are
Ben Simmons
At 30, Simmons is a long way from the player who first showcased his talent with Philadelphia. After the Sixers’ 2021 playoff elimination, his tenure in Philadelphia ended in the worst possible way amid physical and personal issues.
A long string of injuries, increasingly fragile confidence and performances far below the standards he had previously shown kept him away from NBA courts. The Kings, however, have decided to take a chance on him, betting on his 6-foot-10 frame, ball-handling ability and defensive instincts.
After years of offseason videos and promises of improvement, it will now be up to Simmons to prove on the court that he deserves this opportunity.