Ben Simmons Slams Patrick Beverley's Criticism of His NBA Comeback, 'I Worked My Ass Off'

Ben Simmons pushed back on criticism from longtime NBA veteran Patrick Beverley about his comeback after signing with the Sacramento Kings.

In response to an Instagram video in which Beverley cited players like Victor Oladipo, Gabe Vincent and Cam Thomas as still looking for an NBA team while Simmons got signed after a year out of the league, the two-time All-Star commented with a stern defense of his work to make it back on a roster:

"Walk away….?? 😂😂😂I played two years not physically right. This ain't no hand out. I worked my ass off to be in this position…. And I'm very grateful to even be in position to play the game I f---king love! Yall will continue to make up stories for your own benefits and that's more telling about who yall are."

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Simmons is joining the Kings on a one-year deal after sitting out the 2025-26 season. His last appearance in an NBA game was on April 29, 2025, for the Los Angeles Clippers in a playoff game against the Denver Nuggets.

The addition of Simmons provides the Kings with more point guard depth. Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 pick in the 2026 draft, is penciled in as the starter. He figures to endure some growing pains adjusting to the NBA.

Even though Simmons is no longer one of the best all-around point guards, he still has the court vision to get an offense organized, especially in transition.

Simmons also has the size to play other positions, which will provide head coach Doug Christie with some versatility as he tries to piece things together for the 2026-27 season.

There's no risk on the Kings' part since Simmons is making the veteran minimum. If he ends up being a useful player for them, they will get more than their money's worth. If not, it won't really cost them anything to move on.