As we detailed on Friday, Ben Simmons‘ debut with the Clippers on Thursday went about as well as it reasonably could have, earning him praise from head coach Tyronn Lue.
Lue wasn’t the only one impressed by the former No. 1 overall pick, who registered 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals in his first game for his new team. Simmons’ Clippers teammates spoke after the game about the immediate impact he made on the court, per Law Murray of The Athletic.
“It’s easy to play basketball with smart players,” forward Nicolas Batum said. “That’s why he was the No. 1 pick, that’s why he was an All-Star in the NBA, because he’s a unique player, a very good basketball player. He just needs the right system, the right person to get his confidence back. And I’ve been there. I’ve been in his shoes five years ago. I think he came to the right spot to get it.”
While Batum was never an All-Star like Simmons, his stock was at an all-time low when he joined the Clippers in 2020 due to the perception that he was overpaid on his previous contract, a five-year, $120MM deal with Charlotte. Batum has rebuilt his value in recent years, primarily due to his strong play with the Clippers, and there’s optimism that Simmons can do the same.
“He did everything we asked him to do: Rebound, defend, push the ball in transition, create for others, attack the rim,” center Ivica Zubac said after Thursday’s win over Utah. “When they doubled James (Harden), he was really good flashing in the middle and play-making from there. It was great, man. It was all that we expected and more. I think he played great, and I think he’s going to be huge for us.”
Here’s more from around the Pacific:
- If Alex Len had gone through with his initial plan to join the Pacers rather than pivoting to the Lakers, free agent big man Mohamed Bamba likely would’ve been a top target for Los Angeles, Jake Fischer said on a Bleacher Report live stream on Thursday (YouTube link). “I heard this from multiple sources,” Fischer said. “That if Alex Len did go forward and sign with the Pacers, Mo Bamba would have been very prominently considered by the Lakers to fill a spot in that depleted center rotation.” Bamba remains available in free agency for now.
- During that same Bleacher Report live stream, Fischer suggested that the Suns are one team to watch for P.J. Tucker if the veteran forward is bought out by the Raptors, which is expected to happen. Tucker has played in Phoenix before, was coached by Mike Budenholzer in Milwaukee, and is a Texas alum like Suns star Kevin Durant. Still, Fischer is skeptical that the 39-year-old Tucker will draw significant interest on the buyout market or play a major role for a playoff team this spring.
- Injuries have limited Markelle Fultz‘s availability and slowed his development since he entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2017, but the Kings‘ newest addition said this week that his health isn’t a concern right now, according to Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee. “This is the best I’ve ever felt since being in the league,” Fultz told Anderson. “I never had the opportunity to take my time and get healthy, so being able to do that last summer has been great for me. I’m super excited for this opportunity and I’m thankful for it.”
When Bamba is right. He can be as good as Mitch. On the defensive end. Imo has a better offensive gm. Unfortunately no one has worked with him to be that. If this is the best you can get from him. Why wouldn’t you help him be that. I know from watching all the time. That Thibs worked with Mitch to get him there. I haven’t seen that same commitment from other teams to help Bamba get there. And we have all seen this with other players. A 19yr old #1 pick is not going to be the best you want him to be. He’s going to be the best HE can be. With your help.
Warriors should be bringing Bamba in. He can help just as a defensive anchor 15-18 mins a gm.
Fultz to me grew up in Orlando. Found his place and gm. A big PG who plays D. He was solid there. Kings give him a real chance. He can help them. A solid rotation player helps any team. Kings need him to do well. This could be a good place for him.
I would love if Simmons turned clips into a contender!
Pretty sure the Pacers were the one that pivoted away from the worst player in the nba, Alex Len.
Bronny says hi.
I find it lame when NBA teams sign guys sitting at home over dudes working their butt off in the G League. There are plenty of mystery players in the G League who are in game shape and ready to play now, Fultz has a lot of well known issues and is surely going to be rusty for a while.
I’m kinda with you on that. Is this A relatively new thing, over the hill vets chilling at home until taking calls after the deadline?
Doubt they signed him off the couch without working him out thoroughly…
He’s definitely been in the gym.
The GLeague isn’t the old CBA… most players there aren’t nba ready like CBA guys were.
Fultz just got healthy. Not many hurt players get contracts to not play. Kings will be blessed with Fultz. Isaiah Thomas shoild have a home. He is a walking bucket.
Kings should sign Bamba, also !! Kings should try a twin towers line up for a night or two.
PF 6-11 Sabonis
SF 6-6 DeRozan
C 7-0 Valančiūnas
SG 6-5 Monk
PG 6-5 LeVine