Ben Simmons’ Return Sparks Opposing Reactions From Draymond Green and Patrick Beverley

The downward trajectory of Ben Simmons' career has always remained a topic of discussion among basketball fans.

Ben Simmons’ Return Sparks Opposing Reactions From Draymond Green and Patrick Beverley

Draymond Green, Ben Simmons and Patrick Beverley (Image credits - Bleacher Report)

Ben Simmons is back in the NBA after missing the entire 2025-26 campaign. Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the number one pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Simmons quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talent in the league.

The Australian international was crucial to “The Process”, which was a rebuilding strategy used by the 76ers in the mid-2010s. Alongside Joel Embiid, the duo were expected to lead the franchise for several years and win some championships.

The early signs had promise as they reached the second round in Simmons’ rookie season. Unfortunately, things fell apart in his fourth season. Since then, the Australian star has seen a steady decline in his career.

However, it looks like he is raring to make a comeback after his yearlong break. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Simmons signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings.

Three-time All-Star Ben Simmons has agreed on a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, his agents Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney tell me and Marc J. Spears. The one-time All-NBA star is back in the NBA for a 10th season after sitting out 2025-26.

Shams Charania wrote on X

Based on reports, Simmons has worked hard on his conditioning and his game over the past year. Nevertheless, his return to the NBA was a surprise to many. The three-time All-Star faced some heavy criticism for his attitude and commitment to basketball over the past few years.

It came to a point where he contemplated retirement during his break. He even took up Pro Fishing as he looked to keep his mind away from basketball and all the scrutiny. But it looks like the Australian star is ready to go and is rejuvenated for the upcoming campaign.

RELATED
Dillon Brooks Learning Martial Arts In China Gets a Reality Check on Social Media – “You Is Not Wemby, Bro”

Patrick Beverley is not a fan of Ben Simmons’ return to the NBA

When it was announced that Simmons was planning to make a return to the NBA, fans responded with a lot of pushback. His 2024-25 campaign was split between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged five points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 51 appearances.

Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons (Image credits – Bleacher Report)

Former NBA star, Patrick Beverley was not impressed about Simmons’ return to the NBA after a year.

I don’t think it’s fair that you can quit the game of basketball and come back. You can quit because the game is hard and it’s stressful and you’re not playing well and the fans are on you and the media is on you. No discredit to Ben Simmons.

Patrick Beverley said on Barstool Sports

Beverley has not played in the NBA for two years but made his services available and is open to a return. He slammed Simmons for quitting basketball, while Victor Oladipo still awaits his NBA return after playing in the G League last season.

RELATED
J. Cole Gets Heavily Booed Following Extreme Comment About Clippers Fans

Draymond Green praises Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback

There is no doubt that Ben Simmons was an immensely talented player. With his size and athleticism, he was often compared to the likes of LeBron James early on in his career. He is a three-time All-Star and was named in the All-Defensive First team twice in 2020 and 2021.

While most figures have remained critical of Simmons’ return, Draymond Green had a different reaction to it and expressed his happiness.

Number one, I’m happy to see Ben Simmons back in the NBA. I actually had a conversation with Simmons to see him excited to play basketball. The first thing he say is, ‘Man, I’m healthy. I’m healthy.’ And that’s incredible to put the work in when everybody counted you out when you don’t need the money. Just doing fine in his life and when everybody counted you out.

Draymond Green said on The Draymond Green Show

The four-time champion was happy to see Simmons working hard and feeling good despite all the injuries and scrutiny over the past three years.

The pressure and spotlight on Simmons will not be as high as it was during his time in Philly as the Kings are not a team with any championship aspirations next season. Hence, the lack of attention may benefit him in the end.

Also Read: