Ben Simmons Explains Why Taking Year Off from NBA Was 'Best Thing I've Done In My Career'

After a year away from the NBA, a rejuvenated Ben Simmons is looking to revive his career with the Sacramento Kings.

Simmons spoke to NBC Sports California's Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan about why his year off was necessary following a lengthy run of injuries.

"I just think for myself, I needed it. People can say what they want about not wanting to play, this, that and the third. But I needed to get away from the game, I needed to get my back right to be able to play this game at a high level," Simmons said (1:08 mark). "I think the one thing people kept saying to me was, 'It's gonna be hard to get back.' And I was fine with that, but I also know what I'm able to give the game. So taking that year off is the best thing I've done in my career."

Simmons was once one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, but he endured some difficult setbacks that caused him to lose his mojo.

The 30-year-old showed some signs of his old self in his lone preseason appearance for the Kings, scoring seven points in nine minutes against the Golden State Warriors last Saturday.

If Simmons can return to form as a reliable two-way contributor, he could help the Kings accelerate their rebuild as they try to keep pace in the talented Western Conference.