Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr. react to the news that Ben Simmons is returning to the NBA and muse if the Kings can find a way to make him a functional NBA piece again. Check out the full conversation on “The Dunker Spot” and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.
Video Transcript
We, we- ooh boy do we have moves.
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We have news.
Major news coming out of the Western Conference, out of the Pacific division specifically.
Ben Simmons back in the NBA was not on a roster last season as he recovered and fished and found himself now seems to be healthier, happier and is now signing a one year deal worth $3.5 million with the Sacramento Kings.
And I tell you what Steve, I guess similar to how we start off the Jonathan Kaminga segment, I’m just happy for Ben Simmons the person first and foremost as this has been quite the journey over the last few s- years to where he goes from all NBA, all defense performer to all the injuries/mental stuff he’s had to deal with, all of the roster movement, all of the conversations around him; in the league, out of the league, back in the league.
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And I think it’s just very human to want to find happiness, to want to find what your purpose is and just want to have a level of calm and peace in your life.
And it just seems like over the past few months as you’re like seeing photos and reading pieces about Ben Simmons He seems to be in a better place overall.
And so I am happy for him first and foremost.
I’m also just kind of intrigued by the Kings being the team that lands Ben Simmons here but before I yap How do you feel about Ben Simmons back in Sa- Sacramento?
No, I mean let’s stay right there.
I mean To the human aspect The fact that he’s back playing basketball i think speaks to Where he’s at mentally and physically and being able to Be in a position to where okay I feel Good enough about what I can do to contribute to A team.
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I feel good enough to play the game Of basketball again.
I get the opportunity to Play the game of basketball again, and I Think That’s a salute to him because I don’t think the Journey has been as easy As it’s looked At different times and So hey Mm-hmmI gotta make sure my body’s Right.
I got to make sure My mind’s right and Now It’s a chance Okay Let’s reopen the door and let’s see if We can give This story a Different end When You mention the kings okay it’s interesting What are we looking For as far As my return to Basketball Is it An Opportunity to Contribute to Winning Is an opportunity Just be Able to Play and Be myself Is that What Lands you In sacramento To where okay Can impart my knowledge On some of The younger players Here Because we know Sacramento Was Looking at Hey can we Get someone Kind of Have Some of these Conversations With Darius Say cuff Fine ben simmons can help with that Cuz Ben Simmons lived that Life YeahNowAtThe same TimeCan IHaveMy VersatilityToWhere IcanPlayDifferentPositionsI’maUniquePlayerYouKnowicanGetAfterItDefensivelyYouknowthedrivesaretherethepassesAreThereHowdoesThatLookInSacramentowherethereisaLittleBitMoreWiggleRoomtoKindajustOperatelikeObviouslythekings Are InaLotofPeople’smindsatacertainlevelThisYearTotallyUnderstood 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