Draymond Green believes a healthy Ben Simmons can revive his NBA career while easing the pressure on Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr.
Ben Simmons has heard plenty of criticism as injuries and inconsistency changed the direction of his once-promising career.
Draymond Green is offering a different perspective.
The Golden State Warriors forward expressed support for Simmons after the three-time All-Star signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. Simmons is returning after missing the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from chronic back problems.
Green said he was happy to see Simmons receive another NBA opportunity.
“Ben Simmons got off to a very promising start in his career, and then a lot of people try to blame his game and not his injuries,” Green said on “The Draymond Green Show.”
Green Understands Simmons’ Struggle
Simmons entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2016 and quickly became one of the league’s most versatile young players. He won Rookie of the Year and earned three All-Star selections with the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, injuries—particularly his recurring back problems—eventually limited his availability and explosiveness.
Green has dealt with back issues himself and explained that the effects can be both physically and mentally exhausting.
Aug 2, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forwardDraymondGreensits court side during the fourth quarter between the Golden State Valkyries and Toronto Tempo at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images“You cannot move. You can’t touch your toes. You can barely sit,” Green said. “It’s painful. And most importantly, it’s mentally draining.”
That context is often lost when Simmons’ decline is discussed. His reluctance to shoot and difficult departure from Philadelphia remain part of his story, but chronic injuries also prevented him from consistently playing like the defender and playmaker he was early in his career.
Green said he recently spoke with Simmons and heard how excited the 30-year-old was to be healthy again. He stopped short of predicting a return to All-Star form, instead identifying a healthy season as a reasonable goal.
Simmons Could Help Kings Rookie
Green also believes Simmons’ arrival could benefit Darius Acuff Jr., the 19-year-old guard Sacramento selected seventh overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors forwardDraymondGreen(23) against the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThe Kings are entering a transitional season, and Acuff would have faced significant pressure as one of the team’s primary ballhandlers. Simmons gives Sacramento another experienced facilitator while drawing some of the attention away from the rookie.
“This will take some of the pressure off Darius Acuff,” Green said. “If Ben Simmons isn’t playing well, people are going to want to point to Ben Simmons. And if he is playing well, people are going to point to Ben Simmons and say, ‘Yo, look, he’s back.’”
Sacramento does not need Simmons to become the player who averaged nearly a triple-double early in his career. The Kings need him to defend multiple positions, create shots for teammates and provide stability behind Acuff.
Simmons remains a risky addition because of his extensive injury history and yearlong absence. Still, the contract carries little long-term risk for Sacramento.
If his health holds, Simmons has enough size, intelligence and defensive ability to revive his career while helping the Kings develop their young point guard. Green is not promising an All-Star comeback, but he provided a fair reminder: Simmons’ talent did not disappear simply because injuries prevented him from displaying it.
