Simmons Says Year Off Helped Him Recover, Zion Aims for Better Season
At Kings media day, Ben Simmons said sitting out last season to let his back heal was the best decision for his career and that his mental health has improved significantly. He also rejected criticism that he lacks passion for basketball and said he expects to dominate. The notes also include Zion Williamson acknowledging his career hasn't met expectations and Joe Dumars saying Williamson is in excellent condition.
Simmons, a three-time All-Star, also lost his 2016/17 rookie year to a foot injury and sat out 2021/22 amid a holdout and back trouble. His Sacramento deal is minimum-salary and non-guaranteed, yet he said he feels like his former self and wants to dominate.
Zion Williamson, the top pick in 2019, has two All-Star nods but the Pelicans have not won a playoff series and finished under .500 in five of his seven seasons. Joe Dumars called his conditioning excellent, while coach Jamahl Mosley asked him to improve teammates and diversify his game.
This story may shape how fans and young athletes view injury recovery and mental health, especially when high-profile players take extended breaks. It could reduce stigma around prioritizing rehabilitation, while also fueling debates about contracts and accountability. For the Kings and Pelicans, positive updates may affect ticket interest and team expectations. Broader impact likely remains limited to sports culture, where narratives around resilience and pressure continue to evolve.