Ben Simmons comfortable linking up with Patty Mills at LA Clippers with big expectations for success

After getting to work at his new NBA team, the Australian star says he’s ready to put years of frustration and disappointment behind him.

Ben Simmons says he’s “ready to go” for his new team, happy that a familiar face in Australian legend Patty Mills is on hand to help him assimilate with the LA Clippers where the former NBA All-Star expects “greatness”.

With his move from the Brooklyn Nets to a third NBA team signed and sealed, Simmons’ new coach Tyronn Lue said he was “kind of excited” to have the two-time All-Star, who has battled injuries in recent season, on his squad.

He didn’t forecast when Simmons would be injected into the line-up but was confident the Australian would make his team better.

“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,” Lue said.

back in business pic.twitter.com/YnipTlM4s7

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 12, 2025

Simmons, in the last of his five-year, $280m deal signed in July 2019, was forced to give up a portion of his whopping $40.3m salary for this season to make the shift.

Despite his struggles to find his best in recent seasons, having exited the Philadelphia 76ers under a cloud before battling back issues in Brooklyn, Simmons was adamant he could still play at a “high level”.

“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.”

Familiarity could help ease Simmons into the Clippers, linking up with Mills, whom he played with on the Australian Boomers team, albeit back in 2013 having baulked at other opportunities to play for his country.

“I’ve known Patty since I was young,” Simmons said.

everyone say hello to your newest Clippers!!! pic.twitter.com/I8AL7MWGNX

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 12, 2025

“Having a familiar face like that around helps, but the guys have been great. Everyone has been very welcoming.”

Mills, who only joined the Clippers in February himself, is the only Australian to play 1000 NBA games and likely in his final NBA season.

Simmons said he felt like his strengths could be better utilised in LA, who see him as a point guard, having been used as a centre at times in Brooklyn.

“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.

“I think everyone is just going to push each other and be better and expect greatness. That’s my expectation.”