Australian NBA star Ben Simmons has sparked excitement among basketball fans after producing an unexpected shooting highlight in his return to the court with the Sacramento Kings.
After sitting out the entire 2025-26 season, the former All-Star made his comeback against the Golden State Warriors and immediately had fans talking about whether he could finally rediscover the form that once made him one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
Simmons Turns Heads With Rare Jump Shot
Simmons played nine minutes in Sacramento’s 111-106 preseason loss to Golden State, finishing with seven points, one assist and two turnovers.
But it wasn’t simply his return that caught the attention of NBA fans.
The 30-year-old Australian knocked down a step-back jump shot, a moment that quickly generated discussion online given the shooting struggles that have followed him throughout his career.
Simmons has long been criticised for his reluctance to shoot from outside the paint, making the successful jumper an encouraging, if very early, sign.
One supporter declared that Simmons was “back in his prime”, while another suggested his natural talent had never disappeared.
Not everyone was convinced, however, with some fans questioning whether the improvement would continue once the regular season begins.
Can Simmons Revive His NBA Career?
Simmons’ latest comeback represents another opportunity to rebuild a career that has been disrupted by injuries and inconsistent performances.
Once considered one of the league’s most versatile players, the former Philadelphia 76ers star established himself as an elite defender and playmaker during his early NBA years.
However, his offensive limitations became an increasingly significant talking point, particularly as his confidence around the basket and willingness to shoot came under scrutiny.
His move to Sacramento offers a fresh start and another chance to prove he can still contribute at the highest level.
For the Kings, even a version of Simmons capable of providing strong defence, rebounding and playmaking could become a useful addition to their rotation.
One Shot Won’t Silence The Critics
While Simmons’ preseason jumper has generated excitement, one successful shot is unlikely to convince his doubters that his shooting problems are behind him.
The Australian has produced encouraging offseason moments before, only for questions about his offensive game to return when competitive basketball resumes.
The bigger challenge will be staying healthy, establishing a consistent role and showing he can contribute throughout an entire NBA season.
Nevertheless, after more than a year away from the league, Simmons has already given basketball fans something unexpected to discuss.
Whether this is the beginning of a genuine career revival remains to be seen, but his first appearance in Sacramento colours has certainly attracted attention.
