Ben Simmons: “I’ll come back stronger”. And a jab to Steve Kerr

Ben Simmons’ NBA return finally appeared ready to become a reality. After an entire season away from the court, the former No. 1 overall pick had found a new opportunity with the Sacramento Kings, showing encouraging signs during training camp and preseason.

Then, on the eve of the regular season, a torn Achilles tendon in practice derailed all his plans, sidelining him before he could even get started.

It was another devastating blow for a player who has dealt with numerous injuries in recent years as his career has drifted further from its initial expectations.

A few weeks after the injury, Simmons discussed what happened in an interview with Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, addressing his recovery, his relationship with Sacramento and an intriguing preseason exchange with Steve Kerr.

Simmons: “I’ll be back. I’ll do everything I can”

A torn Achilles is one of the most difficult injuries an NBA player can face, particularly someone like Simmons, whose previous several seasons have already been affected by physical problems.

Still, the 30-year-old Australian doesn’t appear willing to consider this the end of his career.

My mindset is to come back. I’ll do everything in my power to recover, get healthy and be better than before. I have the time and opportunity to do it, so I’ll approach everything with the same determination I have right now

Ben Simmons

Simmons also described the moments immediately after the injury, when he was on the floor trying to process what had happened.

It felt like I was lying there waiting for hours, even though obviously I wasn’t. In that moment, I knew I had to make a decision: come back or let this injury break me? I chose to keep fighting. For me, there was no alternative. I told myself, let’s go, get the surgery and start rehab

Ben Simmons

In his two preseason appearances with Sacramento, Simmons had averaged 10.5 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, shooting 53.8% from the field.

Those were encouraging numbers for a player who hadn’t appeared in an official NBA game since April 29, 2025, when he was still with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The jab at Steve Kerr: “You didn’t want me?”

In the interview, Simmons also recounted a preseason encounter in which he spoke directly with Steve Kerr.

The Golden State Warriors had expressed interest over the summer but never offered him a standard NBA contract. The franchise reportedly preferred to evaluate him through a workout and a potential training camp deal.

Simmons wasn’t particularly pleased with that approach and brought it up with Kerr during a game.

I said something to Steve. I asked him, “So you didn’t want me?” It was the first quarter, and he said, “I didn’t know if you were healthy”

Ben Simmons

The Australian was quick to respond.

I told him, “OK, but that’s exactly why you have people whose job is to come check in person.” Anyway, that’s how it went. That’s who I am. I’m competitive. It wasn’t anything personal

Ben Simmons

Simmons also recalled exchanging a few words with Stephen Curry, whom he reportedly told simply:

I told you, I’m ready

Ben Simmons

Before he chose Sacramento, the New York Knicks had also shown interest through a potential training camp deal, while Miami had been linked to him without making a concrete offer.

Ultimately, the Kings backed him with a guaranteed $3.5 million contract, giving him an opportunity to reestablish himself.

That opportunity was abruptly interrupted by the Achilles injury.

Simmons’ future: “I can still play in the NBA”

Despite everything, Simmons continues to believe in his abilities and his chances of becoming an important player in the league again.

I’m absolutely capable of playing in the NBA. I’m built for this. I’m not a normal player. I’m kind of a unicorn in the way I play basketball. I’m not your typical player, and I think I’m very different from most other guys

Ben Simmons

That confidence, at least in his plans, will have to carry him through a long and difficult rehabilitation.

The former All-Star also emphasized the importance of the support he has received from Kings management, the coaching staff and his teammates, explaining that he wants to complete his recovery in Sacramento.

Everyone has been amazing, from Scott to Vivek to coach Christie and my teammates. They’ve shown me so much support, and that’s the most important thing. Sacramento is my home now. It’s where I’ve built my life. I have the support I need, so it makes sense to rehab here

Ben Simmons

His contract future, meanwhile, remains uncertain. There is no guarantee Sacramento will bring him back next season, but Simmons hopes to continue what he started with the Kings.

I didn’t take anything for granted, not even showing up for practice or training camp. I was happy to experience every moment, whether it was a real game, an exhibition or just a scrimmage with my teammates

Ben Simmons

After years of struggles, Simmons had finally rediscovered the joy of being on the court. The injury has forced him to start over once again, but at least in his words, there is no sign of resignation.

His NBA return has been postponed, not canceled.