Ben Simmons is officially back in the NBA, signing a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, and if you ask Draymond Green, that return is a massive win for their 19-year-old rookie point guard, Darius Acuff Jr. Green laid it all out on ‘The Draymond Green Show,’ making it crystal clear that this low-risk, high-reward move by the Kings isn’t just about Simmons, it’s about setting up their newest talent for success.
Draymond Green’s Brutally Honest Take on Simmons’ Comeback
Green didn’t hold back, kicking off his podcast by saying he’s thrilled to see Simmons back in the league. He knows what Ben Simmons brings: a “talent that, you know, doesn’t grow on trees.” People try to blame Simmons’ game for his decline, but Green isn’t having it. He puts the blame squarely on injuries, specifically a “debilitating” back issue. Green, who’s dealt with back problems himself, emphasized the pain, the tingling, the inability to move, and how “mentally draining” it all is. He felt for Simmons, especially with all the ridicule he took while battling a health issue he couldn’t control. Green spoke with Simmons recently, and the first thing Simmons said? “Man, I’m healthy. I’m healthy.” That’s huge. Simmons last played in the 2024-25 season, averaging 5.6 assists, 5.0 points, and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games, shooting 52.0% from the floor. Green isn’t saying Simmons is going to be an All-Star again every year, but he knows the talent, the IQ, and the feel for the game are there if he can stay on the court. Other teams, like the Warriors, Timberwolves, and Knicks, showed interest, but none offered a contract.
How Simmons Takes the Heat Off Darius Acuff Jr.
This is where the Simmons deal gets really interesting, especially for Kings fans. Green sees this signing as “great for Darius Acuff Jr.” Acuff, the 19-year-old point guard the Kings picked seventh overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, now gets a veteran presence who’s “eager to make it right” and will “work his a, off.” Simmons’ experience and talent will take “some of the pressure off Darius Acuff.” Think about it: a rookie point guard coming into the league usually has all eyes on him. But with Simmons there, sharing the backcourt load, if things aren’t clicking, people are going to look at Simmons first. It’s a shield for the young guy, giving Acuff space to develop without the intense spotlight constantly burning.
The Kings are making a fascinating gamble here, banking on a healthy, motivated Ben Simmons to not only revive his own career but also jumpstart their top rookie. It’s going to be wild to see how this plays out, watching Simmons on the court again, knowing how much is riding on his health and how much pressure he can alleviate for Darius Acuff Jr. What kind of season are we in for with this dynamic duo? We’ll find out soon enough.
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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