Three-time All-Star Ben Simmons made his return to the NBA official on Friday, agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings. This isn’t just another signing; it’s a massive move for a player who sat out the entire 2025-26 season, a full year away from the game he once dominated.
The Long Road Back For A Former Number One Pick
Remember Ben Simmons? The guy who was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers? Yeah, that Ben Simmons. He missed his entire rookie season with a devastating injury, only to bounce back and win Rookie of the Year the very next season. But then things got tough. Really tough. His time with the 76ers ended with very public concerns about the organization’s handling of his mental health. After stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, Simmons made the incredibly difficult decision to sit out the entire 2025-26 season. It was a reset, a time away from basketball to get his career back on track. He told The Athletic’s Sam Jane he wouldn’t come back until he felt truly ready. That day arrived.
Sacramento’s Calculated Risk on Simmons
Now, he’s officially a King. ESPN’s Shams Charania, along with Marc J Spears, confirmed the one-time All-NBA star’s return for his tenth season. This isn’t just a handshake deal either; Simmons worked out for Kings general manager Scott Perry and completed all medical examinations. This is huge for Simmons, who absolutely needs to prove he can still be an effective player. The plan is for him to back up first-round pick Darius Acuff, who the Kings see as a potential face of their franchise. Simmons brings valuable experience and an important veteran role to a young Kings roster, helping Acuff’s development. But make no mistake: for Simmons, this is his best shot to prove he can make it through a full NBA season. Staying healthy and producing consistently? That’s going to be absolutely critical. If Domantas Sabonis ever gets traded, Simmons could even work his way into a starting lineup spot with strong performances.
After everything, the injuries, the mental health struggles, the time away, Ben Simmons has another opportunity. It’s a chance to show he still belongs in this league. Now, it’s all up to him to make every single second count.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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