As Ben Simmons returns to full health, his elite defensive versatility and playmaking could provide a low-risk, high-reward solution for Sacramento’s struggling second-unit rotation.
The Sacramento Kings have had a quiet offseason, signing no free agents due to limited spending power, but Ben Simmons' attempt at an NBA return could give them a lifeline.
ESPN senior NBA writer Marc Spears reported Simmons is expected to be a full participant in player-led Australian national team camp with "zero restrictions." He also said several teams are interested in him, and one Western Conference team has extended an invite to training camp.
Carmichael Dave, "The Drive Guys Show" host on Sactown Sports, reacted to the news on X, praising his fit.
"Would fit in great defensively," Dave wrote. "Imagine being able to rotate Keegan (Murray), (De'Andre) Hunter, and Ben on the wings."
Simmons took the season off to recover from severe back injuries. He missed 58.3% of games with the Brooklyn Nets during his three seasons on the roster.
Brooklyn waived him and bought out his contract on Feb. 8, 2025. The Los Angeles Clippers signed him after he cleared waivers, giving him a significant role behind James Harden.
He served as a secondary playmaker and a versatile defender for the Clippers' second unit. He averaged 3.1 assists in 16.4 minutes while guarding multiple positions.
Los Angeles made the playoffs that year, but did not rely on the former No. 1 overall pick against the Denver Nuggets. Coach Tyronn Lue played him in five games for an average of 8.4 minutes per game.
The Clippers did not re-sign Simmons in free agency, leading to his one-year break to recover from injuries. Now healthy, he could provide the same skill set on a veteran's minimum contract, which Spears said he is open to signing.
Sacramento can only offer free agents the veteran's minimum. There have been internal discussions about re-signing Russell Westbrook or signing Victor Oladipo.
Of those options, Simmons arguably makes the most sense for what Sacramento needs. The team needs a backup guard behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and needs more defense after finishing with the third-worst defensive rating in NBA history last season.
Sacramento wouldn't need him to be a scorer. His value would come from handling the ball, pushing the pace and creating shots for everyone else. At 6-foot-10, Simmons has averaged 7.2 assists throughout his career. His passing ability thrives in transition with teammates running the lanes, and he can thread the needle in small windows in the halfcourt.
Matching up with bigs in the paint or shifty guards on the perimeter is part of his versatility. Dave's idea of rotating Murray, Hunter and Simmons on the wings gives the Kings defensive versatility they didn't have last season.
His main drawback is a lack of offense. Ever since his blunder against the Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 playoffs, he avoids looking at the rim to score unless it's an easy basket.
If Simmons is healthy, Sacramento could have a low-cost way to add defense and playmaking without sacrificing much financially in pursuit of besting its projected 21.5-win total.
