Ben Simmons is making some serious noise in Sacramento, and it looks like he’s locking down a starting spot right from the jump. The word on the street, specifically from Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, is that Simmons is expected to be in the starting lineup for the Kings’ October 21st season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers, playing alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff. That’s a huge vote of confidence for the guy.
From Nine Minutes To Starter: Simmons’ Quick Ascension
Think about it: the guy only played nine minutes in their third preseason game last Saturday. But in that short burst, he still managed to put up seven points and an assist. That’s efficiency, people! Simmons himself is clearly hyped about being back on the court, and you can practically feel his energy. He told Spears, “When you’re not hungry, you’re a little anxious. But you want to feel something. Feeling game action is a different feeling. It’s like feeling a bite from a fish. It’s just two different feelings. This feeling, you can’t replicate. I wasn’t nervous. I was like, ‘Let’s go! Let’s go!’ It feels like the start of a new era after just being away and coming back, which is really cool and a good feeling to have.” That’s pure, raw competitive spirit right there, and it sounds like he’s ready to unleash it.
Sacramento’s Big Gamble On A Former All-Star
The Kings are absolutely stoked to have the 30-year-old aboard. You bet they are. They’re clearly hoping he can tap into that three-time All-Star magic he had early in his career. If Simmons can even get close to that form, it changes everything for Sacramento. They’re making a pretty big bet on him right now, and his immediate slot back into the starting five shows how much faith they’ve got.
So, what’s next? Mark your calendars for October 21st. That’s when the Kings kick off their season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers, and Simmons is expected to be right there in the starting lineup alongside rookie Darius Acuff. Can he really get back to that elite form? That’s the million-dollar question Sacramento is buzzing about.
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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