The Sacramento Kings have officially signed former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons to a one-year contract, aiming to bolster their roster for the final stretch of the NBA season. The deal, worth $3.5 million, comes after Simmons took a full year away from professional basketball. His last NBA appearance was over a year ago.
Simmons's hiatus included winning a sport fishing championship in the Bahamas last May. He recently ramped up workouts with the Australian national team and showed his readiness on social media. The Kings' front office monitored those sessions closely before finalizing the agreement.
Simmons is a three-time All-Star known for elite perimeter defense, playmaking, and finishing at the rim. At 6'10", he can guard multiple positions and initiate the fast break. His passing vision from the forward spot is a rare commodity."swagger" for the first time since his Philadelphia 76ers days. "I think when you’re in the gym and you’re putting in shots, that confidence comes back from putting in work," Patrick said. He suggested Simmons might even attempt three-pointers in camp with a new freedom.
Consistency has been an issue, particularly on the defensive end where Simmons can make an immediate impact.
Adding a versatile defender like Simmons could be key for potential playoff matchups. The Western Conference standings are always tight, and every win matters. His ability to handle the ball also provides insurance and flexibility for the backcourt.
The immediate focus is integrating Simmons into the system. Head coach Mike Brown will need to devise lineups that maximize Simmons's strengths while masking his shooting limitations. The team's core of De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis creates a fascinating fit with a non-shooting forward.
Upcoming games will be the true test. The schedule ahead is demanding, and every performance will be scrutinized as they fight for postseason positioning. If Simmons can recapture even a portion of his All-NBA form, this low-risk signing could become one of the season's most impactful moves. The Kings are clearly playing for more than just a play-in spot.
