Former #1 overall pick Ben Simmons agreed to a one-year, minimum-salary contract with the Kings on Friday after not playing at all in the 2025-26 season, spending some time on the sidelines and making an effort to be fully healthy.
Mark J. Andscape ESPN’s Spears, one of the reporters who broke the news, offered Simmons would be open to a multi-year stint in Sacramento if things go well in 2026/27.
Appearing on Sactown Sports 1140’s The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, Spears shed a little more light on why the Kings decided to sign Simmons and why the 30-year-old was interested in making the move to Sacramento, as Frankie Cartacelli of Sactown Sports relay.
Spears hears Simmons played “extremely well” against several NBA players during Australia’s senior mini-camp last month. Obviously, this performance caught the attention of the team.
“He played well in camp in Australia one time, I think when (Kings general manager) Scott Perry very interested” Spears said.
According to Spears, Perry traveled to Miami in late August to meet with Simmons and watch him in a private workout, and then Simmons flew to the Bay Area last week to work out in Sacramento.
Spears, who spent a lot of time with Simmons over the past year for an unrelated project he was working on, said the head coach Doug Christie was impressed with Simmons’ play in this practice before the team. He added that Simmons is excited to be in a more low-key environment after previously playing exclusively for big-market franchises.
“A few minutes later, Doug Christie said, “I’m fine.” Let’s go.” he looked great– said Spears.… (Simmons) is very, very happy, proud and excited to be King of Sacramento.”
David Patrick, Simmons’ godfather and former LSU head coach, joined Matt George and Kayla Anderson of Sactown Sports to discuss Simmons’ return to the NBA, Cortachelli writes.
Patrick, who is an assistant with the Australian national team and Arizona State, said Simmons appears to have recovered from his back injuries – he had surgeries in May 2022 and March 2024 – and has regained his confidence and athleticism.
“In the last probably three months, the arrogance and confidence that he once had has returned to me.– said Patrick.… I felt like he was back to where he was athletically and mentally from his days in Philly when he was a three-time All-Star.”
Although it was thought on the outside that Simmons could be the backup point guard behind the rookie Darius Acuff JrPatrick said Christie told Simmons to “come in and be himself” and not just accept that he would automatically be a backup.
