Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
NBA greats Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin have backed a rejuvenated Ben Simmons to reproduce some of his best basketball, as long as the Australian veteran’s head is in the game.
A raft of critics questioned Simmons’ love of the sport after he sat out all of last season and chose not to pick up a basketball during his time off.
But the Melbourne-born 30-year-old called “bullshit” on those claims ahead of the new season, insisting his extended break was purely about mending his battered body and mind.
Simmons, who has been plagued by injuries during his decade-long career, is back in the world’s best league on a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings worth $US3.5 million ($A4.9 million).
“Hopefully he’s excited to play,” Hall of Famer Nowitzki said at the NBA on Prime launch in New York.
“I think that was some of the issue – he lost some of his passion for the game – so hopefully he’s regaining that.”
A three-time All-Star (2019-2021) before injuries took hold, Simmons has shown some encouraging signs with Sacramento while being carefully managed through the pre-season.
The former No.1 draft pick is tipped to join rookie Darius Acuff and fellow veteran Zach LaVine in the starting line-up when the Kings open the regular season away to the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22 (AEDT).
“So far in pre-season he’s been playing good, he’s looking good and his body’s ready,” Nowitzki said.
“I wish him well because when he first got in the league he was so exciting, so explosive, so athletic and making plays off the dribble.
“Hopefully he can get back to some of that and have a great season.”
Griffin played briefly alongside Simmons with the Brooklyn Nets and believes his former teammate will have a point to prove in his comeback under Kings coach Doug Christie.
“We haven’t seen him healthy in a long, long time,” six-time All-Star Griffin said.
“(In Brooklyn) he wasn’t right. His back wasn’t right and obviously the years that followed showed that and he had to have a procedure.
“But he is incredibly talented, he’s a big body and he can defend so many positions. Downhill he gets to the rim and he’s a great passer.
“I want to see a great year from him because he’s a special talent and I think the league is better off with a guy like him in it.”
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Nowitzki and Griffin have again teamed up as experts for the second season of Prime Video’s NBA coverage.
They are joined by a host of former players, including former MVP Steve Nash and retired Venezuelan guard Greivis Vasquez, who feels the wave of criticism could fuel Simmons’ comeback.
“I truly believe he’s got so much freakin’ fire inside of him to prove people wrong. He was a superstar in this league,” Vasquez told AAP.
“You can never question the heart of a champion. He’s had his ups and downs … but I believe he’s in a better situation mentally and basketball-wise now.
“He’s an unbelievable athlete and he’s not only able to initiate on offence but his athleticism and his size are important for the game.”
Vasquez said Simmons simply needs to remain healthy in order to find his rhythm on the court and believes Sacramento is a great fit for the versatile Australian.
“He’s got the experience to get back on top and able to perform at the highest level,” Vasquez said.
“(But) this league is rough. It’s a cold business, the NBA.
“He’s got a roster spot and that’s a blessing, but now he’s got to perform.”
Simmons’ NBA comeback is also a step towards possible Australian Boomers selection for next year’s FIBA World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the NBA this season.
