Ben Simmons is officially back in the NBA, and the Australian looked like he had a point to prove.
Playing his first NBA minutes since April 2025, Simmons made his Sacramento Kings debut against the Golden State Warriors and showed some seriously promising signs.
He only played nine minutes, but the 2018 Rookie of the Year looked refreshed and confident in his return, finishing with seven points and one assist while shooting 50 per cent from the field and three-of-four from the free throw line.
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And when asked how he felt afterwards, Simmons kept it pretty simple.
“I feel great,” Simmons said.
The Kings eventually fell 111-106 to the Warriors, but there were plenty of positives to take away from the night.
Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr was outstanding, finishing with 25 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
One of the reasons Simmons was brought to Sacramento was to help mentor the No.7 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and Acuff was full of praise for the Australian after getting his first taste of playing alongside him.
Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr praised Simmons after getting his first opportunity to play alongside the Australian.Source: Getty Images
“It’s great to have him, man,” Acuff Jr said.
“He’s still as fast as when we were watching him when he first came out.
“He still looked like Ben. So, it’s great to have him out there and he’s a great vet, great leader.”
Simmons had been linked with both the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors throughout talks surrounding his NBA return before eventually signing with Sacramento.
And Warriors coach Steve Kerr was also happy to see the Australian back on an NBA court.
“I wish him well. I hope he has a really successful comeback, and I’m glad that he’s back in the league and competing,” Kerr said.
“He’s a good testament to perseverance, coming back and giving another shot. I love that.”
There was also a moment during the game that showed the leadership Acuff was talking about.
Kings big man Maxime Raynaud went down after setting a screen and appeared to injure his knee.
'I didn't leave my family to lose' | 00:57
Simmons, who has battled his fair share of injuries throughout his career, was the first teammates over to check on him and didn’t leave his side.
After the game, Simmons opened up on why that moment meant more to him than basketball.
“I’ve been through it, I know that feeling,” Simmons said.
“So regardless of the sport itself or what happens, you just want to show support to your teammates.
“You got to be a good person, man. Like, the game is the game. Like we lost, who cares? I’m more worried about my teammate and how he’s doing.”
There has always been plenty of talk about Simmons’ offensive game and his confidence, but there were some really promising signs on that end of the floor.
The Australian knocked down a step-back jumper before getting to the rim and finishing a turnaround hook over Draymond Green.
Ethan Minton, who covers the Sacramento Kings, was among those impressed by what he saw from Simmons in his return.
“Ben Simmons is playing like a man on a mission. His passes are slick, his mid-range shot is pure, and he looks truly locked in,” Minton wrote on X.
“The confidence Simmons is exuding is palpable!”
He was far from the only one impressed by Simmons’ return, with the Australian finally back on an NBA court after more than a year away.
Sacramento opens its season against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22, fittingly the last team Simmons played for before his time away from the NBA.
Across 18 games with the Clippers, Simmons averaged five points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 52 per cent from the field.