The Sacramento Kings didn't make any huge moves in free agency, but did add some significant veteran depth to their roster. Ben Simmons, who is the most-intriguing addition, has been hailed as a big potential difference-maker this season.
On Monday, the Sacramento Kings held their official NBA Media Day, with multiple players taking the stand and talking about their expectations and excitement for the upcoming year.
Free agent signing Ben Simmons was one of the more notable speakers, as the former NBA Rookie of the Year made strong claims about his return to the league.
When asked if Simmons can get back to his All-Star form from earlier in his career, Simmons said "I'm there. He's there. He woke up."
This has been the reporting from people close to the organization and Simmons , with Simmons showing flashes of the player who once was getting comparisons to LeBron James.
After spending last season away from the NBA, Simmons announced he would be returning to the league this offseason, and had multiple teams instantly show interest.
Members of the Kings' front office, who ultimately landed Simmons, flew down to Florida to watch the former No. 1 overall pick workout, and were extremely impressed.
For head coach Doug Christie, it reportedly took around five minutes for him to sign off on Simmons, with Senior NBA Writer Marc. J Spears recanting what Christie saw at the workout in early-September.
"Within minutes, Doug Christie was like, 'I'm good. Let's get him.' He looked great... He's really, really happy, and proud, and excited to be a Sacramento King," Spears said on SacTown Sports 1140.
While a veteran minimum signing usually doesn't garner much attention or excitement, multiple former NBA players have praised the move for Sacramento, with 17-year veteran Richard Jefferson saying that Simmons could be an All-Star if used correctly.
For Simmons, he clearly believes he can get back to this form as well.
"To dominate, every time I step on the floor to dominate," Simmons said about his mentality for the upcoming year.
While offensively, there are certainly some question marks regarding Simmons' lack of outside shooting and where he will fit in, defense will receive a big boost.
Simmons is a two-time All-Defensive First Team member, dating back to his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Across his career, Simmons has averaged 1.5 steals per game, while displaying versatility on that end of the floor.
With his size and agility, Simmons can hold his own against bigger players, while also switching onto and keeping up with smaller guards.
This was one of Jefferson's main points, with the former NBA Champion talking about Simmons' "defensive player of the year level talent."
Having a motivated and excited Simmons is exciting for a Kings team entering the Darius Acuff Jr. era, providing Christie with a player who can both guard and play multiple positions.
