Sacramento Kings' general manager, Scott Perry, recently observed Ben Simmons' workout in Florida, signaling potential interest as the former All-Star point guard endeavors to rejoin the NBA after an extended absence. Simmons, who sat out the entire 2025-26 season, is working diligently to overcome his recent injury woes and recapture the form that once made him a dominant force on the court.
During his prime years with the 76ers from 2017-18 to 2020-21, Simmons consistently delivered impressive statistics, averaging over 14 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds per game, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 and making three consecutive All-Star appearances. His exceptional defensive skills also garnered him two NBA All-Defensive First Team selections and a second-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2020-21. However, his performance has significantly declined since then, largely due to persistent injuries that limited his availability to only 42 games in 2022-23 and 15 games in 2023-24, before playing 51 games in 2024-25. The Kings, who finished the last season with a dismal 22-60 record, are in a rebuilding phase, having waived veteran players like DeMar DeRozan and seen Russell Westbrook retire. They also recently drafted Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, indicating a focus on younger talent and future flexibility.
Perry's attendance at Simmons' workout underscores the Kings' ongoing roster evaluation, as they assess whether Simmons' unique combination of size, playmaking ability, and defensive prowess could complement their emerging core. While his presence at the workout doesn't guarantee a signing, it highlights the team's willingness to explore all options to strengthen their squad, particularly given the departure of key playmakers like Westbrook and DeRozan, who contributed significantly to the team's assist numbers in the previous season. The team's rookie center, Maxime Raynaud, showed promise with 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 74 games, and Acuff's arrival solidifies their long-term plans at the point guard position. The Kings are searching for players who can integrate seamlessly into their new team dynamic and contribute to a more competitive future.
The journey of Ben Simmons to reclaim his place in the NBA stands as a testament to perseverance and the enduring belief in one's potential. His dedication to overcoming setbacks and returning to peak performance offers an inspiring narrative for athletes and individuals alike, demonstrating that with consistent effort and self-belief, one can strive to achieve greatness and make a positive impact, both on and off the court.
