The Sacramento Kings signed former NBA Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons to a one-year deal Friday morning. As a backup point forward, Simmons' defensive versatility and playmaking will be a big boost to Sacramento's bench unit.
The Sacramento Kings have filled in their final roster spot for the upcoming season, signing former NBA Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons on Friday morning.
Simmons, who last played in the NBA in 2025, spent the last year on a basketball hiatus, keeping in shape but remaining unsigned.
This offseason, Simmons reportedly had interest from teams like the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks, but ultimately landed in Sac Town.
In late-August, it was reported that members of the Kings' front office had traveled to Florida to watch Simmons work out, as the team continued to search for a veteran guard to fill in the 15th roster spot.
Simmons clearly impressed in his workout, signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract and returning to the NBA.
Senior NBA Writer Marc. J Spears recanted what head coach Doug Christie saw in Simmons at the workout following the news.
"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.
Going forward, the 6-foot-10 point forward will likely fill in as an offensive initiator off the bench for Christie, backing up Darius Acuff Jr.
Simmons' ability to handle the ball and facilitate at his size has always been his strength, but his defensive impact is likely what earned him the nod over other veterans like Victor Oladipo and Cam Payne.
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.
The Kings' potential defensive shortcomings have been noted throughout the offseason, so bringing in Simmons should help with some of those worries.
In 2019, no one could have predicted Simmons being out of the NBA by 2025, as the former No. 1 overall pick was coming off an All-NBA season.
But, injuries and changes in confidence level stunted Simmons' career, thrusting him into a lessened role post-Philly.
Simmons' lack of perimeter jump shooting and inconsistency as a scorer made him into a makeshift big man with the Brooklyn Nets, but he excels with the ball in his hands as a playmaker.
He should have the opportunity to play this way in Sacramento, while being surrounded by 3-point threats like Emanuel Sharp, Alex Karaban, and Malik Monk in the second unit.
Overall, Simmons' skillset fits what the Kings were looking for in a backup guard, while he brings a much-needed level of defensive versatility as well.
