This NBA Superstar Just Joined FaZe Clan

FaZe Clan is inarguably one of the most influential and controversial esports collectives in the gaming industry. While the group has had some contractual issues with members like Tfue, there are still plenty of gamers vying for a spot in FaZe Clan's ranks. Even star athletes want in on the action, as evidenced by the latest member to sign to FaZe Clan. It has just been announced that NBA star Ben Simmons has just joined FaZe Clan.

According to a report from The Verge, Philadelphia 76ers player Ben Simmons joins the team with the memorable gamertag of "FaZe Simmo," cementing his place as a true member of the org. Simmons has been linked to FaZe Clan on more than one occasion before the announcement of his signing with the group. Earlier this year, Simmons was photographed for the cover of Slam magazine alongside Faze member Temperrr. 

During an interview with Slam, Simmons described to Temperrr how he felt getting to know the members of FaZe Clan and how it felt like a natural next step in his career. Simmons said, "I don't really try to do everything, in terms of who I am as a brand, but the one thing that has always come back to me that I've enjoyed and wanted to find out more about is gaming. Obviously when we started talking, that was one of the things I was so interested in. Building off that and seeing where it could go—connecting, talking more, and meeting everybody in the FaZe house. That felt like a family. It felt like home. I could relate to you guys."

In other words, it seems like Simmons really felt a kinship with the guys in FaZe Clan. According to Simmons, he didn't look at joining FaZe as a business venture, but rather as a way of connecting with other gamers and enjoying his hobby. In his personal life, Simmons still tries to set aside plenty of time to play video games when he's not on the court. 

In a statement regarding his newest venture, Simmons said, "Gaming is an important part of my life, and so it was a natural progression to personally invest in this industry. Faze Clan represents the pinnacle of the gaming culture, and I am really looking forward to connecting with new fans around the globe."

The news of a high profile member joining FaZe Clan should prove to be rather exciting for the esports collective. It's no secret that FaZe Clan has had a fairly turbulent year. FaZe Dubs was suspended from the team for using a racial slur while streaming, then was accused of cheating during a competitive game of Fortnite not long afterwards. 

Then in June, there was another one-two punch of drama that suggested trouble was brewing in FaZe Clan. FaZe Rain was asked to move out of FaZe House due to continuing issues with his mental health and alleged substance addiction issues. Right around the same time, FaZe Clan's longtime editor, Barker, was accused of inappropriate conduct toward multiple women. In light of the allegations, FaZe Clan announced that the group was no longer associated with Barker. 

In late July, FaZe Clan was rocked by the announcement that three of its former executives had decided to join forces and start a new gaming organization under the name XSET. This new group has grand plans to create a more inclusive environment for the gamers and content creators that it signs, which is potentially great for the gaming community. However, it marked a bit of a slap in the face to FaZe Clan, especially considering some of the comments made by XSET's founders seemed to throw some shade at the toxic environment that has plagued FaZe Clan in recent years.

Despite all of this drama and the various setbacks, it does seem like FaZe Clan is making a concerted effort to keep moving forward. Earlier this year, FaZe Clan teamed with production company Sugar23 to form FaZe Studios. This new company is planning to produce a series of films starring members of the organization. With FaZe Clan seeming to always be making the news feed, it seems as though the esports org will have plenty of material to draw from for its films. 

There's no word yet whether or not Ben Simmons will be joining in on this side of the fun. One thing is for sure, though: his signing with the group proves that FaZe Clan is in no danger of slowing down any time soon.