NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Clippers
Apr 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) looks on during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson appears to be doing a media tour in Australia right now. He spoke with one Australian publication about how Cole Anthony signing with Melbourne United could lead to more professionals playing in the country’s National Basketball League.
Jefferson also appeared on ESPN Australia’s “Aussie Hoops Hour” to talk about Ben Simmons. Host Olgun Uluc asked Jefferson what the expectations should be for Simmons this season. Jefferson was incredibly diplomatic saying that expectations should be low, but also laid out the most wildly optimistic outcome for Simmons in Sacramento this season. It’s truly fantastical stuff.
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“I think you should have no expectations. And not of his play, but it’s more of like there are certain, basketball like many other sports as much as it is physical, it is mental. Ben’s always had the talent. Ben has the talent to be an All-Star this year. If Ben goes and has the best season, he’s healthy, his back is right, he has the talent to be an all-defensive player, to be a defensive player of the year level talent because he can guard one through five positions.”
While Jefferson is being incredibly positive and also explained that he roots for every player, that’s just way too far. Simmons is 30-years-old and was out of the NBA last season. The year before that he played in 51 games and finished the season playing 16.4 minutes a game for the Clippers. It’s been five years since the Ben Simmons he’s talking about has existed.
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It would be a remarkable comeback if Simmons ended up with a regular spot in the Kings’ rotation this season. And they’re coming off a season where they went 22-60. Not to mention the Kings haven’t had an All-Star since 2023 when Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox made All-Star game. And they are the only All-Stars the team has produced since DeMarcus Cousins was an All-Star in 2017.
Ben Simmons playing at an All-Star level for the Sacramento Kings would be one of the least likely things we’ve ever seen. But if he does Richard Jefferson should get full credit for manifesting it.