The Los Angeles Clippers have officially signed Australian basketballer Ben Simmons, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, after he was waived by the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday following a contract buyout. The 28-year-old joins a seasoned roster that includes stars Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Norman Powell, with the Clippers currently positioned seventh in the Western Conference at 29 wins and 23 losses.
Simmons is earning AUD$63 million this season and will become a free agent afterward. This season, he has averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. Known for his defensive skills and playmaking, Simmons was Rookie of the Year in 2017-18 and made three consecutive All-Star appearances. However, he has faced significant criticism regarding his offensive aggressiveness and outside shooting, having made only 5 of 36 attempts (13.9%) from beyond the three-point line in his career.
His recent tenure with the Nets was plagued by injuries, including ongoing lower back issues that limited his play. The Clippers’ president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, has been active in restructuring the team’s lineup, bringing in players such as Bogdan Bogdanovic and Patty Mills to enhance the bench strength as they push for a playoff run.