Kings Legend Believes Simmons Could Win Comeback Player of the Year

The Ben Simmons hype train is gaining more steam after an impressive performance in the Sacramento Kings' preseason finale against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.

Simmons looked confident in his best preseason game. He scored 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting (4-for-4 from the free-throw line), grabbed eight rebounds and added seven assists.

His aggressiveness is an encouraging sight to see for Sacramento. Coach Doug Christie gave him the starting nod, and with the ball in his hands, he looked to score by driving downhill.

San Antonio's defenders couldn't stop the 6-foot-10 forward from getting to his patented right-handed push shot. Simmons created easy offense for himself and even hit a fading mid-range jumper.

The playmaking shone in transition, getting the Kings into their fast-break offense quickly. Simmons found Acuff and LaVine multiple times throughout the game.

Sacramento has the foundation to become one of the NBA's best fast-break teams this season.

Simmons' performances have caught the media's eye in only two games. He's looked like his old self with the Philadelphia 76ers, and Kings legend Chris Webber believes the 10-year veteran could win Comeback Player of the Year.

The 30-year-old sat out last season to prioritize his recovery and regain his confidence. Severe lower-back injuries kept him out of over 50% of his games with the Brooklyn Nets from 2022 to 2025.

He was a shell of himself in Brooklyn. Simmons rarely looked to score, averaging five attempts per game, which was less than half of what he shot in Philadelphia.

His back injuries sapped the confidence that made him an All-Star, All-NBA and All-Defense talent. He needed the break, and he took it.

Simmons said he wanted to play the game at a high level and get his back right. He took that time for himself last season and decided he was ready to return this offseason.

Sacramento was interested in adding the point forward to its roster on a veteran's minimum. The team signed him to a one-year deal, $3.5 million deal last month.

Simmons impressed throughout training camp and earned praise from coaches and teammates. Fans were eager to see him once preseason arrived, but Christie rested him to prioritize his health and prepare for the regular season.

Although he played two of the five preseason games, Simmons flashed greatness across 35 minutes. He's leapfrogged De'Andre Hunter and Precious Achiuwa for the fifth starting spot for next Wednesday's season opener.

Preseason is a small sample size, but the 6-foot-10 forward has a strong foundation to win Comeback Player of the Year if he carries his performance into an 82-game regular season.