Kestelman urges Simmons: 'Reignite your passion in the NBL'

Larry Kestelman says he will reach out to Ben Simmons, offering an opportunity for the Australian star to “reignite his passion” in the NBL.

The League’s Owner and Executive Chairman said the former number one NBA draft pick was “too good a talent not to be playing basketball”.

“I’ll reach out to Ben and I’d love to have a chat to him because I believe he is someone who we (the NBL) want to put our arms around,” Kestelman told CODE Sports.

“I hope he comes and plays for the passion of it and a deal in the NBL is somewhere where his passion could be reignited.”

Persistent injuries have cruelled Simmons’ progress across the past four seasons, during stints at the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets.

He played the best basketball of his career in Philadelphia, where he was a three-time NBA All-Star and Rookie of the Year.

The 29-year-old, who grew up in Melbourne, is yet to sign a new deal ahead of the NBA season starting on October 18.

Kestelman said a move to the NBL would allow Simmons to take the pressure off and play his natural game, but the number one priority was ensuring he was happy on and off the court.

Read the full story here >> Ben Simmons’ one-word response to retirement reports as NBL boss reveals he’ll offer ‘troubled’ star a career lifeline