Aussies Abroad: Simmons returns as NBL alumni fire

Ben Simmons says “it felt really good” to be back on an NBA court for the first time in almost 18 months after making his Sacramento Kings debut.

Simmons started the pre-season fixture against Golden State and finished with 7 points and 1 assist, shooting 2-of-4 from the field in just under 9 minutes.

It was his first NBA game since April 2025, when he played for the LA Clippers in the playoffs.

“It’s a good feeling to just be out there and compete and get the first one out of the way,” Simmons said post-game.

The former No.1 pick is fit and injury-free for the first time in a long time, and believes his time away has sharpened his feel for the game.

“I’m older now. I’m about the same player I was a few years ago, especially given that I’m healthy,” he said.

“The game has just slowed down a lot for me, and I see a lot more now.”

Sacramento, which signed Simmons to a one-year deal in September, is managing his minutes carefully.

“It’s a buildup,” he said. “I put in a lot of work to get back here, so it’s just being smart about it.”

Simmons is one of several Australians and NBL alumni making an early impression in pre-season. Former Melbourne United big man Jock Landale had 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks in 21 minutes for Atlanta against Oklahoma City, while former Adelaide 36ers Next Star Josh Giddey has 18 assists across 3 games for Chicago.

Former Next Star and 2026 draftee Karim Lopez had 4 points and 6 rebounds in 14 minutes in Memphis’ win over Giddey’s Bulls.

The NBA season officially tips off on October 21 (AEDT).