Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie has been impressed by Ben Simmons since the veteran guard joined the team, saying his experience around Simmons has been very different from what he had previously read about the former All-Star.
“Nothing I read was true,” Christie said during Kings training camp on Thursday. “I really enjoy being around the kid. He speaks. He enjoys basketball. He loves coaching.”
Christie went on to emphasize how highly he views Simmons as a basketball player.
“Like he’s special, like as a basketball player. You just you don’t see that often,” Christie said. “So when you see greatness, you recognize that. And vibe. Make no mistake, he has all those qualities.”
Simmons is attempting to return to the NBA after spending a year away from the game. The Kings signed him to a one-year minimum contract that is not guaranteed, giving him an opportunity to compete for a roster role during training camp.
For Christie, Simmons’ approach has stood out both on and off the court.
“I mean, there’s leadership in what Ben is bringing,” Christie said. “Talk about being courageous. You know, injury and coming back and all those things.”
The coach also highlighted Simmons’ relationship with his teammates and the importance of challenging them during practices.
“Everything I see about him speaks to a guy who’s in a really good place, loves basketball, loves his teammates,” Christie said.
Christie believes genuine leadership sometimes means demanding more from teammates rather than simply supporting them.
“Being a leader is calling out your teammates and then going at your teammate,” he said. “If you really want to demonstrate to your teammate that you love him, you don’t play buddy ball with them. You go at them. And our iron sharpens iron.”
Simmons himself said earlier in camp that Sacramento has given him a simple message regarding his role: “Be me. Be me. Literally, that’s it. Be me.”
The veteran also said he feels good physically after the first few days of camp, describing normal soreness as a positive sign following his time away from basketball.
Christie has noticed the same commitment during practice, saying Simmons’ return has brought leadership to a young Kings group.
“He speaks. He enjoys basketball. He loves coaching,” Christie reiterated, while praising Simmons’ willingness to engage with the team.
Simmons has made three All-Star teams and two All-Defensive teams during his NBA career. He averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists over his first seven seasons, although injuries and limited availability have significantly reduced his playing time in recent years.
