Sacramento GM Scott Perry recently scouted the former All-Star in Florida, fueling speculation that the versatile point forward could bolster the Kings' bench and defensive rotations.
The Ben Simmons train could be gaining steam, as "The Carmichael Dave Show" host Carmichael Dave reported that Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry is in Florida watching him work out.
Dave said he doesn't have all the details about Simmons' workout, but he and Perry are at the same place at the same time. He is very fond of the idea of signing the 6-foot-11 point forward attempting to make an NBA return.
Sacramento is searching for a veteran backup point guard who can handle the ball and mentor rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Those options are very slim, with the team hosting workouts with NBA journeymen Elfrid Payton and Cam Payne.
Simmons, out of all the options, is by far the most fitting, especially at the veteran's minimum price.
He has the lateral quickness to guard the perimeter and the core strength to bang with big men in the post. Paired with Keegan Murray and De'Andre Hunter, the Kings would have the defensive versatility and switchability they lacked last season.
Simmons' playmaking is where his ability truly shines at his size. Towering over smaller defenders, he sees how the defense reacts and how the team's plays develop. He can thread the needle in tight spaces and make complex reads that high-level playmakers do consistently.
The 30-year-old can grab-and-go, too, pushing the Kings into early fast-break offense after a rebound. His lack of offense is a weakness, but Sacramento has enough talented scorers to mitigate that.
"I can have Ben Simmons and Malik Monk, a combination of the two of them, handle backup ball handler responsibilities when Acuff's out of the game and I have a defender on the floor, and I have an offensive piece on the floor at all times," George said on Aug. 10's episode of "The Matt and Kayla Show."
At his expected price tag, many teams could be interested in acquiring his services. Hitting on the margins is what turns a good team into a great team, and Simmons would be a nice addition to a contender.
However, there is the expectation to contribute to a title. The ultimate goal is to win a championship, but he is returning to the league after a one-year absence and needs to rebuild his image.
George said Sacramento is a perfect destination for the free-agent point forward because there are little to no expectations. The team hasn't made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons and is in the middle of a rebuilding era.
"I just don't think there's as much pressure," George said. "There wouldn't be nearly as much pressure here for him to perform. And there would also not be the crushing weight of expectation."
Perry may have to outbid other teams, but it's clear the Kings are interested in signing Simmons.
