Ben Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick, is officially returning to the NBA after agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. The agreement, reported on September 4, 2026, by Bleacher Report, citing ESPN’s Shams Charania and Marc Spears, marks his comeback following a full season away from the court.
According to ESPN sources, Simmons travelled to Sacramento earlier this week, on Monday, to undergo comprehensive medical examinations. His visit also included an on-court workout and meetings with Kings coach Doug Christie and other team personnel. Prior to this, in late August, Simmons had already worked out for and met with General Manager Scott Perry.
Simmons, selected first in the 2016 NBA draft, has encountered a career significantly impacted by injuries, which have limited him to 60 or fewer games each year since the 2020-21 season. He notably sat out the entire 2021-22 season. His last active season was 2024-25, during which he played 51 games for the Nets and Clippers, recording averages of 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds.
His return to the league follows earlier statements of intent. In December, Simmons informed The Athletic’s Sam Jane that he would not play again until he felt ‘bulletproof’. By June, he confirmed his efforts toward an NBA comeback to Men’s Health’s Clay Skipper, mentioning Miami and Philadelphia as potential landing spots and expressing admiration for the Heat’s organization, culture, and coach Erik Spoelstra.
Simmons’ Role and Potential Impact in Sacramento
Bleacher Report suggests that Simmons’ acquisition addresses a key need for the Sacramento Kings, who have been seeking floor generals since the trade of De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. Simmons is anticipated to fill a void alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr. While the Kings are not expected to rely on him as a primary scorer, his recognized passing ability, defensive prowess, and size offer valuable contributions to the roster. His affordable contract and perceived upside are seen as advantageous.
In contrast to the Kings’ view, The New York Times recently published an opinion piece discussing a potential fit for Simmons with the Knicks, ultimately concluding against it. The analysis highlighted his struggles with shooting from distance, which could enable opposing defenses to sag off him and disrupt a contending team’s offensive flow. The article also raised concerns that Simmons’ status as a former No. 1 pick and his “weird career” could create an unnecessary distraction for an organization already under constant scrutiny, especially in a market like New York. The New York Times instead proposed that a rebuilding team might offer a better environment for Simmons to find his rhythm away from intense pressure.
Challenges and Expectations for a Former No. 1 Pick
Ben Simmons’ return to the NBA carries significant implications beyond the Sacramento Kings. The comeback of a high-profile athlete, especially one once considered a generational talent, often attracts substantial global interest, influencing broader discussions about athlete resilience, career longevity, and mental health within professional sports. His journey could provide an important case study for player rehabilitation and the immense pressures faced by top draft picks, a narrative that resonates with an international audience invested in the human aspect of athletic competition.
Despite his historical strengths as a defender, rebounder, and his unique skillset as a 6-foot-10 ballhandler, his offensive limitations, particularly his well-documented reluctance or inability to shoot from outside, remain a consistent point of criticism, as underscored by The New York Times. His earlier comments about needing to feel ‘bulletproof’ highlight the profound physical and mental hurdles he has aimed to overcome in his pursuit of an NBA return.
A critical factor in this comeback will be his ongoing health, given his history of injuries that have curtailed his playing time significantly since the 2020-21 season. The extensive medical evaluations conducted by the Kings signal a careful assessment of his physical readiness to withstand the rigors of an NBA season.
As Ben Simmons embarks on this new chapter with the Sacramento Kings, considerable attention will be placed on his on-court performance, his ability to maintain health, and how effectively he integrates into the team’s strategy. His path back to consistent contributions in the NBA will be closely observed by fans and analysts worldwide, eager to see if he can regain a meaningful impact in the league.
Image: The New York Times
Sources consulted
- ESPN: Sources: Ben Simmons agrees to 1-year, $3.5M deal with Kings
- The New York Times: Ben Simmons is looking for another chance in the NBA. Should the Knicks give it to him?
- Bleacher Report: Ben Simmons Making NBA Comeback with Kings, Latest Rumors on Contract for 2026-27 Season
Bruno Kadez is a sports writer focused on performance, competition, and athlete insights. He covers major sporting events, player analysis, and trending stories across leagues. His reporting captures both the data and the emotion behind the game.
