Ben Simmons is officially making his return to the NBA after a year-long hiatus, having signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. This marks a significant moment for the three-time All-Star, who has been focused on regaining his health following persistent back issues that sidelined him for the entire previous season.
The Kings have been eyeing Simmons for some time, with general manager Scott Perry conducting a workout with him in late August. Reports from that session indicated that Simmons performed well, impressing observers with his physical condition. Following this initial evaluation, the Kings brought Simmons to Sacramento for a thorough assessment, which included medical examinations and on-court drills, culminating in a meeting with head coach Doug Christie and other team officials.
Feedback from those involved in Simmons’ recent activities has been overwhelmingly positive. The 30-year-old also participated in a players-only minicamp with Team Australia last month, where both Australian officials and Kings representatives noted that he appeared physically fit and ready to compete.
Simmons last took to the court during the 2024-25 NBA season, where he played for both the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. In those games, he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over 22 minutes per game, a stark contrast to his earlier performances when he was recognized as one of the league’s premier two-way players. During his peak, Simmons was a three-time All-Star and earned All-NBA and All-Defensive selections, showcasing his abilities as a playmaker, rebounder, and defender.
Despite his previous accolades, the Kings do not require Simmons to return to his former All-Star level. After finishing last season with a disappointing 22-60 record, the Kings are looking to develop rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr., who they selected with the seventh overall pick. The backcourt also features notable players like Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, and Nique Clifford, which allows Simmons to take on a role as a complementary playmaker rather than the primary offensive initiator.
While Simmons' shooting struggles are well-documented, his size and passing ability could provide the Kings with a unique advantage. If he can maintain his health, Simmons has the potential to contribute significantly by handling the ball in second units, defending multiple positions, and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
The financial commitment of a one-year deal at $3.5 million poses minimal risk for the Kings, making this an intriguing opportunity for both the team and Simmons. As he embarks on this new chapter, the central question remains whether this healthier version of Simmons can demonstrate that he still has a place in the NBA.
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