Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine: What Happened at Media Day?

Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine became the subject of widespread online discussion following the Sacramento Kings’ 2026 Media Day on September 28. A hot microphone reportedly captured media members making candid remarks about the two NBA players during the event.

According to reports, some of the reporters commented on Simmons’ appearance, describing him as attractive while also making critical remarks about his personality and public image. The discussion then shifted to LaVine, with one reporter complimenting his appearance and another criticizing his perceived personality.

The conversation was inadvertently broadcast during the Kings’ live Media Day coverage. The clip circulated on social media and attracted significant attention.

The incident became a trending topic because the reporters appeared unaware that their microphones were still active. Their identities were not confirmed in the reports, and neither Simmons nor LaVine had publicly responded to the exchange at the time of reporting.

Why Were Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine Trending?

Both players were in the spotlight at the Kings’ Media Day, but for different basketball-related reasons.

Simmons was preparing for his return to the NBA after missing the 2025–26 season. LaVine, meanwhile, was also part of the Sacramento roster and attracted attention as the reporters discussed the players.

The incident brought renewed attention to Simmons’ public image, his career comeback and his new chapter with Sacramento. However, the comments captured on the microphone were personal opinions expressed by the reporters and do not establish facts about either player’s character.

Ben Simmons Draft: Was He the First Overall Pick?

Yes, Ben Simmons was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. The Philadelphia 76ers selected him after his impressive freshman season with the LSU Tigers.

Simmons entered the draft as one of the most highly regarded prospects of his generation. His combination of height, athleticism, ball-handling and passing ability made him an appealing choice for Philadelphia.

Simmons did not play during the 2016–17 season because of a right foot injury. He eventually made his NBA debut in October 2017 and went on to win the 2017–18 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

His selection as the first overall pick placed considerable expectations on him. During his early seasons, he became a central part of Philadelphia’s efforts to compete in the Eastern Conference.

Ben Simmons Media Day 2026

Ben Simmons attended the Sacramento Kings’ Media Day on September 28, 2026, following his signing with the franchise. The event marked an important moment in his return to professional basketball after an entire season away from the NBA.

Simmons signed a one-year contract worth $3.5 million with Sacramento in September 2026. The agreement followed his recovery from chronic back problems that had affected his availability over several seasons.

During the media event, Simmons spoke about his relationship with basketball and addressed criticism surrounding his commitment to the sport. He emphasized that he still loves the game and explained that taking time away had allowed him to focus on himself and his recovery.

His return to Sacramento represents another opportunity to contribute as a playmaker and defender. The Kings can use his size, passing ability and experience in different lineups, depending on his fitness and role.

Media Day also offered fans an opportunity to hear directly from Simmons after a lengthy absence. His performances during the 2026–27 season will be an important part of his next chapter in the NBA.

Ben Simmons Wife: Is He Married?

Ben Simmons is not publicly known to be married and does not have a confirmed wife as of September 2026.

He has previously been linked to several high-profile relationships, including his engagement to British television presenter Maya Jama. However, the couple ended their engagement in 2022.

Simmons generally keeps much of his personal life private. Although his relationships have attracted media attention, he has not announced a marriage.

Ben Simmons and Maya Jama

Ben Simmons was previously engaged to Maya Jama, a British television presenter known for her work in television and entertainment.

The couple reportedly began dating in 2018, although their relationship experienced periods of separation and reconciliation. In December 2021, reports emerged that they had become engaged.

Their engagement attracted considerable public interest because both had established careers in their respective fields. However, in August 2022, reports confirmed that Simmons and Jama had ended their engagement.

Since then, Simmons has not publicly confirmed that he is married. Maya Jama has also continued her career in television and entertainment.

Although fans frequently search for Ben Simmons’ wife, it is important to distinguish his former engagement from his current marital status.

Ben Simmons NBA Teams

Ben Simmons has played for several NBA franchises since entering the league in 2016. His career has included major individual achievements as well as significant changes in teams and playing roles.

Simmons spent the first part of his NBA career with Philadelphia, where he became a three-time All-Star. He was traded to Brooklyn in 2022 as part of a major deal involving James Harden.

His time with the Nets was affected by back injuries and limited availability. In February 2025, his contract was bought out, allowing him to join the Los Angeles Clippers.

After playing for the Clippers during the 2024–25 season, Simmons missed the entire following season. He subsequently agreed to a one-year contract with Sacramento in September 2026.

Ben Simmons Career Stats

Simmons has established himself as a playmaker who contributes through passing, rebounding and defense, rather than relying primarily on outside shooting.

NBA career regular-season averages through his 2024–25 season

His career numbers reflect his role as a versatile guard-forward. Simmons has regularly created scoring opportunities for teammates and used his size to defend players across different positions.

His individual achievements include three NBA All-Star selections, an All-NBA Third Team selection and two NBA All-Defensive First Team selections.

Ben Simmons Achievements and Awards

Throughout his NBA career, Simmons has received several individual honours for his performances at both the professional and college levels.

• Three-time NBA All-Star

• NBA Rookie of the Year (2018)

• All-NBA Third Team (2020)

• Two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team

• NBA All-Rookie First Team

• Consensus First-Team All-American (2016)

• SEC Freshman of the Year (2016)

His achievements established him as one of the leading young players in the NBA during his early seasons with Philadelphia.

Ben Simmons’ Return to the NBA in 2026

Ben Simmons returned to the NBA conversation in 2026 after spending the 2025–26 season away from professional basketball. Chronic back problems had affected his ability to play consistently, making his recovery a major focus.

In September 2026, Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. The team completed medical evaluations and an on-court workout before finalizing the agreement.

Simmons’ return also aligns with his interest in representing Australia at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He has been training with fellow Australian basketball players as he works toward that goal.

His role with Sacramento will depend on his health, performance and the team’s needs. His experience as a three-time All-Star provides a foundation for his comeback, while his time away from the game presents a new challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How old is Ben Simmons?

Ben Simmons is 30 years old as of September 2026. He was born on July 20, 1996, in Melbourne, Australia.

2. What draft pick was Ben Simmons?

Ben Simmons was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. The Philadelphia 76ers selected him out of LSU.

3. Who is Zach LaVine to Ben Simmons?

Zach LaVine is Simmons’ fellow Sacramento Kings teammate in 2026. Both players attracted media attention after a hot-mic incident at the Kings’ September 2026 Media Day.

4. What happened at Ben Simmons’ Media Day?

During the Kings’ 2026 Media Day, a live microphone reportedly captured reporters making personal comments about Simmons and Zach LaVine. The exchange went viral on social media.

5. Is Ben Simmons married?

No publicly confirmed marriage has been reported for Ben Simmons. He was previously engaged to British television presenter Maya Jama, but they ended their engagement in 2022.

6. Who was Ben Simmons’ fiancée?

Ben Simmons was previously engaged to Maya Jama. Their engagement became public in late 2021, and they separated in 2022.

7. Which team does Ben Simmons play for in 2026?

Ben Simmons signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings in September 2026.

8. How tall is Ben Simmons?

Ben Simmons is 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 metres) tall. His height and athletic ability have helped him defend multiple positions and play as a versatile ball-handler.

9. What college did Ben Simmons attend?

Ben Simmons attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where he played one season of college basketball before entering the 2016 NBA Draft.

10. How many All-Star selections does Ben Simmons have?

Ben Simmons has been selected to the NBA All-Star Game three times, in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Conclusion

Ben Simmons is a 30-year-old Australian basketball player who was selected first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. After earning three NBA All-Star selections with the Philadelphia 76ers, he played for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers before signing with the Sacramento Kings in 2026.

His appearance at the Kings’ 2026 Media Day, alongside the viral discussion involving Zach LaVine, brought renewed attention to his NBA return. While Simmons has experienced significant injury setbacks, his comeback with Sacramento marks a new stage in his professional career. He remains unmarried, having previously been engaged to Maya Jama.