Kings HC Christie 'Really Enjoying' FA Signing Simmons

As part of a very quiet free agency for the Sacramento Kings, the team did sign former NBA Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons, as he looks to make his return to the NBA.

Last season, Simmons spent the year away from the league, getting healthy and preparing his mind for a return.

Thus far, the reporting surrounding Simmons and how he has looked since arriving in Sacramento has been very positive, with head coach Doug Christie being his most-recent endorsement.

"I really enjoy being around the kid. He speaks. He enjoys basketball," Christie said. "He loves coaching, and he’s special."

Many of these remarks contradict the general consensus surrounding Simmons, which has suggested that he doesn't have the drive to get back to his All-NBA form.

But, Christie said that "nothing" he read or heard about Simmons has been true, while saying that the characteristics he brings to the team are unique.

"As a basketball player, you just don’t see that often. So when you see greatness, you recognize that, and make no mistake, he has all those qualities," Christie said.

Christie has been very supportive of the Simmons-signing since rumors began surfacing about the Kings having interest.

After flying down to see Simmons work out in Florida, it reportedly took around five minutes for him to sign off on Simmons, according to Senior NBA Writer Marc. J Spears, who said this was the general consensus from Kings' decision makers.

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.

Simmons himself believes he has what it takes to get back to his prime, telling reporters that "He woke up."

At media day, Simmons comments made noise around social media, as he talked about expanding his arsenal and focusing on dominating when he is on the floor.

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 having "defensive player of the year level talent."

The Kings kick off their preseason slate on Monday night, likely giving fans their first look at Simmons in his Sac Town threads.