Simmons says he’s ‘ready’
INGLEWOOD, California—Ben Simmons opened a new chapter with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, practicing with the team for the first time after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets last weekend.
The No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft is expected to make his debut either Wednesday at home against Memphis or Thursday at Utah. He hasn’t played since Feb. 1.
“I feel great, ready to go,” Simmons said. “I just want to play basketball at a high level and I feel like that’s going to happen here.”
He left the Nets, who own a 19-34 record and are 12th in the East, for the Clippers, who are 29-23 and sixth in the West.
Feeling comfortable
“It’s easier when teams are transparent and understand who you are and what you need and how the team can help and how I can help them,” Simmons said. “I feel comfortable. I know most of the guys on the team.”
The 28-year-old Simmons joins a veteran squad led by Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Norman Powell.
“Defensively, it’s a lot different when you’re on the court with a lot of vets. It will be unique having a lot of guys like that on the court,” Simmons said. “It’s not going to take too long to get a feel for each other on the floor.”
One of his new teammates is fellow Australian Patty Mills, who recently joined the Clippers.
