Ben Simmons is back and says he feels fully healthy for the Sacramento Kings. The former All-Star opened up about his return to the NBA at the team's 2026 media day. His comeback adds a major piece to a Kings roster that recently closed its season with a 124-118 victory over the Golden State Warriors on April 11, 2026.
Simmons was direct about his physical condition. He told reporters he feels healthy and is prepared to contribute immediately. After a challenging period dealing with back issues, the year off allowed for extensive rehabilitation. Simmons emphasized his commitment to helping the Kings win games this season. His ability to defend multiple positions and facilitate offense could be a significant boost for a team that finished its last five games with a 2-3 record (WLWLL).
The Kings' recent form has been inconsistent. They secured a strong win against the Warriors but also suffered heavy losses, like a 134-90 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets on March 24. Simmons' return provides a versatile defender and playmaker they've lacked. He can take ball-handling pressure off De'Aaron Fox and create easy shots for Domantas Sabonis in the pick and roll. Integrating a player of his caliber is a complex task for head coach Mike Brown, but the potential upside is substantial for the team's playoff aspirations.
Looking at the final stretch of the 2025-26 season provides a clear picture. The Kings' last result was that 124-118 home win over Golden State. Just three days prior, they fell 110-105 to the same Warriors. Their other recent results included a 117-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans and two games against Charlotte, a 109-117 loss and the aforementioned 90-point outing. The team's performance was a mix of resilient wins and concerning blowouts. You can review the full schedule and results on our schedule page.
The immediate focus is on training camp and preseason integration. Simmons will need to rebuild his on-court rhythm and chemistry with new teammates. His role will be closely monitored, especially regarding his offensive aggression and three-point shooting. For the Kings, building a consistent identity on both ends of the floor is the next step. Simmons' health is the single biggest variable. If he can stay on the court and approach his previous All-NBA level, he changes the entire ceiling for this Sacramento squad as they prepare for the new campaign.
