Ben Simmons pushed back Monday against years of criticism suggesting he lacks passion for basketball, calling the notion "bulls---" during Sacramento Kings media day. Simmons said health, not desire, was the reason he sat out last season while recovering from back issues that limited him with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.

"What do I love about the game?" said Simmons. "Everything. It's my art. I get to come out here and be creative and play hard and compete against numerous talented guys. So for me it's just in my blood. I've been doing this since I was a baby."

Simmons said expectations for him and the Kings remain relatively low entering his first season back, though he acknowledged the scrutiny that comes with being a former No. 1 pick.

"That's what comes with being Ben Simmons," said Simmons.

Simmons described the experience of attending media day as "surreal" after a year away from the sport. He said he did not touch a basketball during his time off, during which he purchased an ownership stake in the South Florida Sails Angling Club, a Sports Fishing Championship team.

Simmons said that because is now healthy, he believes he has returned to the level he played at during his All-Star seasons, when he was regarded as one of the league's top defenders.

"I love this game," said Simmons. "If I didn't, I wouldn't have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I'm at."

Simmons acknowledged the toll public criticism has taken on him but said he is now in a better place mentally and physically.

"I miss playing the game a lot, but it's hard to do when you're not physically right," said Simmons. "I'm healthy, and I'm able to compete every day."