Simmons Expected To Start for Kings in Regular Season

The Sacramento Kings may have their starting lineup penciled in for next Wednesday's season opener, choosing Ben Simmons as their fifth starter.

Senior NBA Writer Marc Spears reported that the 30-year-old is expected to start the regular season. It's quite a rise for a veteran signed last month, and he is returning after sitting out last season.

Simmons would leapfrog De'Andre Hunter and Precious Achiuwa, two other candidates competing for the vacancy.

Defense is the common denominator between Simmons, Hunter and Achiuwa. All three are versatile and strong defenders who can guard the perimeter and defend bigger wings in the paint.

Their offensive strengths are what set them apart. Simmons is a great playmaker at 6-foot-10, Hunter is a reliable floor spacer, and Achiuwa dominates the rebounding game.

The Kings likely feel Simmons' playmaking is the best fit for a free-flowing offense. He can run the pick-and-roll, as seen in last Saturday's loss to the Golden State Warriors.

He attacked Draymond Green's chest, drove downhill, and hit a turnaround right-hand hook shot for his first basket. Simmons nailed an impressive 12-foot stepback jumper several possessions later.

The 6-foot-10 forward can change roles and set screens, forming a dangerous duo with rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and Zach LaVine. That versatility is rare, giving Sacramento another ball-handler and playmaker to maximize their offensive strengths.

Health is key in maintaining his role, and coach Doug Christie has prioritized it this preseason. Simmons has played one game, which was last Saturday, and sat out Tuesday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Christie admitted he wants to play the 30-year-old in front of the loyal Kings fans, but wants him available in the 82-game regular season.

Injuries have hampered Sacramento early. Its center depth is thinning as Maxime Raynaud (right patellar subluxation) and Dylan Cardwell (left calf sprain) will miss two weeks before being reevaluated.

Simmons sat out last season to recover from the severe back issues that caused him to miss 58.3% of his games during his three-season tenure with the Brooklyn Nets.

He played 81 and 79 games in his first two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, and has never played more than 60 since his third season.

Sacramento has several X-factor players this season, and Simmons has joined the fray with Keegan Murray and De'Andre Hunter. He's a home-run signing for general manager Scott Perry, who had limited resources this offseason, as he could only offer the veteran's minimum.