Kings’ Ben Simmons Calls Himself a ‘Unicorn’: ‘I’m Not a Normal Guy’

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Kings’ Ben Simmons Calls Himself a ‘Unicorn’: ‘I’m Not a Normal Guy’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Ben Simmons #25 of the Sacramento Kings looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on October 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) Getty

Anthony G Halkias II · HEAVY

Fri, October 30, 2026 at 12:01 AM UTC ·

3 min read

Ben Simmons Explains His 'Unicorn' Claim

"I'm more than capable of playing in this league," Simmons told Spears. "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."

That description concerns how Simmons views his game. It should not be expanded into a claim that he considers himself better than every other player. His words emphasize being different, rather than declaring himself the league's best.

Denver Nuggets v Los Angeles Clippers - Game Four

GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: Ben Simmons #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks the ball against Vlatko Cancar #31 of the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome on April 26, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

There is also a distinction between confidence and availability. Believing his game remains valuable can help explain his determination to return. It cannot establish how his body will respond or predict what his eventual performance will look like.

Sacramento Support Gives Simmons a Foundation

Spears reported that Simmons plans to begin rehabilitation in Sacramento with support from the organization. Simmons praised the Kings' leadership, coaching staff and teammates for being there for him. That backing provides an important personal foundation during his absence.

For Sacramento, the immediate situation is about supporting recovery rather than projecting nightly production. Two preseason appearances cannot establish what a full comeback would have become. They also do not erase the challenge created by an Achilles injury.

Simmons' "unicorn" description will attract attention because it is memorable. The more consequential part is his continued belief that he can contribute again. Turning that belief into another NBA opportunity requires recovery first.

For now, the confidence is clear. The basketball answers will have to come later. Sacramento supporters can recognize the distinction while hoping his next chapter includes sustained health.

This article was originally published on HEAVY