Ben Simmons was very close to making a stunning return to the NBA after last having played in the league in the 2024-25 for the Los Angeles Clippers. However, after signing a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, which means he is out for the entire season.

However, after undergoing successful surgery, Simmons appears to be as confident as ever that he will eventually return to the NBA. Speaking to Andscape, the 30-year-old claimed that he was not a typical player, and described himself as a ‘unicorn,’ per a post on X by NBACentral.

“I’m more than capable of playing in this league,” he said. “I’m built for this. I’m not a normal guy. I’m kind of like a unicorn in the sense of how I play the game. I’m not your typical player. I don’t know how to put it, but I feel like I’m a lot different than most.”

Fans, however, had a range of reactions to his declaration. Some, like this one, claimed that he does more talking than playing, posting alongside an image of Shaquille O'Neal laughing.

“Bro does more talking than playing,” they wrote.

Another fan questioned his shooting, writing, “He’s definitely different. Most basketball players can shoot.”

This fan played around with the ‘unicorn' declaration, writing, “Ben Simmons is a unicorn on the court. You'll never see him but people will tell fantasies about him playing.”

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Simmons was selected as the No. 1 pick of the 2016 draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, and after sitting out for his first season due to a foot injury, won the Rookie of the Year in the 2017-18 campaign. There is no doubt that Simmons, when fit, was a special player.

An elite guard with impressive vision, his playmaking immediately led to comparisons with some of the greatest assist-makers in the history of the league. However, it was his combination of size and versatility in defence that truly made him special. Simmons was capable of locking down the most skilful players in the league, and was also a major interior presence who could have easily become a triple-double machine.

However, consistent injuries meant that the 76ers eventually traded him to the Brooklyn Nets, and he has since failed to keep fit for a full season. Regardless, the Kings star did express confidence in his recent interview, claiming that he will do everything in his power to remain healthy and return to his best. And well, there is little doubt that every basketball fan would like to see that happen.