Ben Simmons is officially back in the NBA after a year-long hiatus, signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. After taking the entire 2025-26 season off, the former All-Star is making his return, and the buzz around his potential long-term future in Sacramento is already heating up, thanks to some insights from ESPN and Andscape’s Marc J. Spears. This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a make-or-break season that could redefine his entire career trajectory.
The Comeback Trail: From Hiatus to Hardwood
Simmons spent his year away focused on rehabilitating those nagging back and leg injuries that have plagued him. But it wasn’t just physical recovery; he also needed a mental reset. He told Clay Skipper of Men’s Health in a June profile, “I needed to get away, and have some space, and just find myself again.” That’s real talk right there, and you gotta respect a player who’s honest about needing that kind of space. He even found time to become a 50 percent owner in the South Florida Sails angling club, hitting the water to find that peace.
But now, it’s all about basketball. The Kings didn’t just throw money at him; they put him through the wringer. He went through a full workout, a thorough medical exam, and sat down with team brass. The verdict? He “checked off all the boxes,” which is huge. Spears reported some fascinating insights, noting that Simmons’ sister mentioned he’s “a pretty loyal guy.” If the Kings gave him this shot, and he plays well, and they want him back at a fair deal, she believes he’d want to stay. Plus, Simmons apparently digs the “safer haven” vibe of a smaller market like Sacramento. This isn’t just a pit stop; it could be a real new beginning.
The Injury Nightmare He Fought Through
We can’t forget what this dude was capable of before the injuries derailed him. This wasn’t some bench player getting a shot; we’re talking about a bona fide three-time All-Star during his four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers from 2017-18 to 2020-21. But man, the injuries hit him hard. Since that 2020-21 campaign wrapped, he’s only played 108 games, sidelined for huge stretches of time. It’s been a tough road.
His last run was in 2024-25 with the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets, where he put up 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds over 22.0 minutes in 51 games, with 24 starts. But even then, he was fighting a brutal battle. Skipper wrote that Simmons’ injury involved nerves, giving him “shooting pain in his glute and down his leg.” Simmons himself confessed, “He says he felt so fragile that oftentimes he had to change how he breathed.” And the worst part? “People have no idea,” Simmons said. “I couldn’t walk around.” That’s a nightmare for any athlete, let alone someone like Simmons. The good news? He’s reportedly in “much better shape” now. He’s set to be the backup point guard to Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick, but Spears expects him to play all five positions for what’s described as a rebuilding team.
This season is massive for Simmons. He’s got a fresh start, a clear head, and an opportunity with a team that believes in him. If he can stay healthy and recapture even a fraction of his All-Star form, that one-year deal could turn into a much longer, much more impactful run in Sacramento. Kings fans should be hyped to see what this loyal, now-healthy Simmons can bring to the court this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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