Washington Wizards’ Malcolm Brogdon, left, defends Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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.

Article continues after this advertisement

“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.”

FEATURED STORIES SPORTS NBA: Lakers sign center Alex Len, waive injured Christian Wood SPORTS Gilas Pilipinas gets things going ahead of Doha friendlies, qualifiers SPORTS Chua lauds players ready to ‘die for a team’ READ: NBA: Clippers sign Ben Simmons in latest change of scenery

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.

“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.”

Article continues after this advertisement

The 28-year-old Simmons joins a veteran squad led by Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Norman Powell.

Article continues after this advertisement

“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.”

Article continues after this advertisement

One of his new teammates is fellow Australian Patty Mills, who recently joined the Clippers.

“I’ve known Patty since I was young,” said Simmons, who was born in Melbourne. “Having a familiar face like that around helps but the guys have been great. Everyone has been very welcoming.”

Article continues after this advertisement READ: NBA: Clippers to add Ben Simmons from buyout market

Simmons went to the Nets from Philadelphia in a deal for Harden at the 2022 trade deadline. But the three-time All-Star was never able to join Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the court that season after hurting his back trying to get into shape after sitting out the first half of that season.

platinumplay

The injury problems, mostly due to lower back nerve damage, continued to limit Simmons. He made it through just half of the 2022-23 season, during which Durant and Irving were both traded, and played only 15 games last season.

Simmons played in 33 of the Nets’ 52 games this season, starting 24, and averaged 6.2 points and 6.9 assists.

He was waived by the Nets last Saturday, with the sides agreeing to a buyout of his contract. He is making $40 million this season and is set to be a free agent afterward.

Coach Tyronn Lue regards Simmons’ arrival as a fresh start for the Clippers.

“It’s going to take a little time as far as rotations and how we play guys together but from a basketball standpoint, I’m kind of excited about it,” he said.

READ: NBA: Bogdan Bogdanovic expects to make Clippers debut vs Grizzlies

Defensively, Lue expects Simmons to guard the best opposing players.

“He’s up for the challenge,” Lue said.

Simmons likes that the Clippers view him as a point guard first, although he’s also played center at times.

“For me, that’s truly my position,” he said. “I see the floor, I want to get my guys easy buckets and control the pace. On the defensive end, I want to be a dog, I want to be able to get stops and put pressure on the ball.”

The Clippers made multiple moves at the trade deadline, acquiring Bogdan Bogdanovic, Mills, Drew Eubanks and MarJon Beauchamp.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that a particular remark by Duterte violated “moral principles” and therefore warrants a study to explore their legal aspects.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“I think everyone is just going to push each other and be better and expect greatnessgrand casino,” Simmons said. “That’s my expectation.”

READ NEXT NBA: Injuries mount for Mavs’ big men with Daniel Gaffor... NBA: Raptors notch rare road win vs slumping 76ers EDITORS' PICK Margarita Forés, chef, restaurateur, Filipino cuisine advocate; 65 Margarita Forés honored by celebrity friends Baby Ruth Villarama’s documentary on West Philippine Sea releases first teaser Migrant advocates decry ‘neglect’ of undocumented Filipinos in ICE detention NBI files criminal cases vs VP Duterte for threatening Marcos AP reporter barred from White House event over ‘Gulf of America’ MOST READ Retired PNPA alumni free to back VP following House impeachment NBI files criminal cases vs VP Duterte for threatening Marcos Court affirms Pacquiaos’ win in P2.2-B tax case PCG vessel thwarts Chinese ship approaching Zambales coastline Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments