'That's Bulls--t,' Ben Simmons Calls Out Critics Who Say He Doesn't Love Basketball

Sacramento Kings forward Ben Simmons pushed back against the narrative that he doesn't love basketball during the team's media day on Monday, saying injury issues were the bigger reason he didn't play last season.

"I think that was more so my body. It wasn't about if I wanted to play. All these people talk about, I don't love the game. That's bulls--t," he told reporters (3:45 mark). "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."

He also said basketball is "in my blood" and called it "my art."

Simmons, 30, didn't play last season and only appeared in 108 games between the 2021-22 and 2024-25 seasons, limited by a holdout during his final season with the Philadelphia 76ers and back issues.

The former Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star won't be expected to play the ball-dominant and prominent role he once did in Philly. The Kings would assuredly be happy with him providing a defensive and playmaking spark off the bench as they build around a core group of De'Andre Hunter, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, Darius Acuff Jr. and Nique Clifford.

Expectations are fairly muted about this Kings team in general, so Simmons will be making his return away from the spotlight that once burned very bright. Regardless, he isn't interested in anybody who questions his love for the game.