Ben Simmons isn’t holding anything back for his NBA comeback, telling reporters Monday that his personal goal with the Sacramento Kings is simple: “To dominate.” That’s a huge statement from a guy who just took the entire 2025-26 campaign off, and it’s got everyone buzzing. He’s officially back on a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Kings this offseason, and the stakes are sky-high for what he claims will be a revitalized career.
The Bold Return After a Year Away
Simmons is absolutely convinced his time away from the court was exactly what he needed. “I’m right where I need to be,” he stated, adding that focusing on his body over the past season was “the best thing I’ve done and decision I’ve made for my career.” When pressed on whether he could return to his peak form, his response was just as confident: “I’m there. He’s there. He woke up.” Kings fans have to be hearing that loud and clear, hoping this former superstar truly is back. It was not long ago that Simmons was a force, a No. 1 pick in 2016, Rookie of the Year, and a three-time All-Star in his first four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. He even made the All-NBA Third Team in 2019-20 and was named to the All-Defensive First Team twice in back-to-back years. Those are massive shoes to fill, especially after a full season off and previous injury struggles.
Can a $3.5 Million Deal Reignite an All-Star?
The path since his early peak has been a tough one for Simmons. After missing the entire 2021-22 campaign with injury, he was never quite the same player. His game appearances dropped significantly, playing in only 42 games in 2022-23, then just 15 games in 2023-24, and 51 games in 2024-25. During that entire stretch, his scoring never climbed above 6.9 points per game. His well-documented hesitancy to shoot or attack the basket made him a liability on offense, which really limited his overall value, even with his solid defense and facilitating skills. Still, Kings head coach Doug Christie, general manager Scott Perry, and other team members were reportedly “impressed” by Simmons during workouts this offseason, according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears. That’s what inspired the Kings to sign him. They see him as someone who can play all five positions and back up rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. This new role is key: Simmons won’t be the focal point like he was in Philadelphia. That should take a lot of pressure off his shoulders and could be exactly what he needs to thrive.
As the season approaches, every eye will be on Ben Simmons. Can he truly “dominate” in Sacramento? Is his body really “there” after a year away? The Kings have made a low-risk, potentially high-reward move with that $3.5 million deal, but the biggest question is whether Simmons can deliver on his incredibly bold promises and prove he’s still got that All-Star fire. The basketball world is ready to watch.
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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