Reactions to Ben Simmons returning to the NBA by signing with the Sacramento Kings have been mixed at best. Some are excited to see him on the court while others wonder why he's even coming back at all. The only thing for sure is that Simmons has something to prove to the league and himself.
Simmons' name has become synonymous with wasted potential. A barrage of injuries and personal choices have caused him to miss a significant portion of the games in his NBA career. That includes sitting out three full seasons at different stages of his time as a professional basketball player.
After taking the 2025-2026 season off to rest, recuperate, and fish, Simmons is making his return as a member of the Kings. Being that he has had continual injury issues, there is considerable risk for Sacramento. The Kings have mitigated that by signing him to a one season deal to test the waters.
Opinions on Simmons' return vary greatly
There are a lot of takes on Simmons joining the Kings, some more favourable than others. Sportswriter and commentator Brian Windhorst has openly questioned what Simmons has left in the tank for another NBA run. His last tenure with the Clippers was a low point in his career.
Former NBA star and current analyst Richard Jefferson is far more optimistic. He pointed out that Simmons always had the talent, but that he lost the mental game. Jefferson even went so far as to say Simmons has the potential to be an All-Star again, which is another level of positivity.
Four-time NBA Champion Draymond Green, who has never met a topic he isn't ready to weigh in on, got really specific in his take. His point was that Simmons' return, regardless of how he plays, will take a ton of media focus and pressure of the Kings' rookie point guard, Darius Acuff Jr.
When it comes to Simmons, everyone is right
The reality of this situation is that all three takes are correct. Windhorst is right to be concerned about what Simmons has left for the league. Jefferson is right in that Simmons' mental game will define his success. And Green is right as Simmons will help Acuff by simply being on the roster.
All of this is on the man himself. He has to stay healthy, keep his mind right, and do the job the Kings need him to do. Being an All-Star might be a bit of a stretch, but that doesn't mean Simmons can't be a contributor to Sacramento and the rebuild process they're currently going through.
For now, it's wait and see time. The regular season starts on the road for the Kings against a decimated Clippers on October 21st. That will be the NBA's first real glimpse of Simmons back in action. After that, how 2026-2027 goes is all up to him, one game at a time.
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