Ben Simmons could be on his way to becoming a starter for the Sacramento Kings after reportedly making a strong impression during training camp.
Marc J. Spears said Monday that Simmons has been one of the standout performers in Sacramento and could move into the starting lineup within the first month of the season.
“I’ve heard he’s had an outstanding camp,” Spears said. “I wouldn’t be surprised from what I’m hearing within a month in, he’s starting. I think he’s doing that well, but the Kings are going slow with him. He looks like he’s playing with the Sixers again.”
Simmons is expected to make his preseason debut later this week as Sacramento continues to take a cautious approach to his return. Spears reported that he could play Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers or Saturday against the Golden State Warriors.
The 30-year-old signed a one-year minimum contract with Sacramento during the offseason. The deal is not fully guaranteed, giving Simmons an opportunity to re-establish himself after spending the previous year away from the NBA.
Simmons has welcomed the chance to return to a normal basketball routine.
“The best part is I just got normal soreness now,” Simmons said during training camp. “Just being able to come out here and compete every day, and have that, you know, general soreness is a good thing. But I feel great.”
The former All-Star has also emphasized that he does not want to overcomplicate his return.
“Be me. Be me. Literally, that’s it. Be me,” Simmons said. “Don’t defer and just, you know, create and be myself.”
That mindset could be particularly important if Simmons continues to show the playmaking and defensive versatility that made him a three-time All-Star with the 76ers.
Simmons averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists over his first seven NBA seasons. He last played during the 2024-25 season, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 51 games with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.
He has also been working on his three-point shooting during his return, although Simmons has not been concerned about outside criticism.
“Repetition,” Simmons said. “I mean, I got an airball one and one of y’all posted it and that was the one that goes viral, but happens, you know. It’s basketball. I get my shots up, get put work in. Is what it is.”
Simmons has also embraced a leadership role with Sacramento’s younger players, focusing on helping them understand details that can take years to learn.
“It’s just things if I see things on the court or I can help guys out,” he said. “Just the details of the game. There’s a lot of things that you know when you come in as a rookie or a younger guy that you just don’t know.”
The defensive side of Simmons’ game remains another area he is trying to rebuild after his extended absence.
“See, I’m getting there,” Simmons said. “I’ve been away from the game for a year, so I haven’t had to guard, you know, the top guys. But I’ll get there, you know, I’m working every day and pushing myself to get there.”
