After spending an entire NBA season away from the court, Ben Simmons is reportedly in line for a starting role with the Sacramento Kings when the regular season begins. According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Simmons is expected to start alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. in Sacramento’s October 21 opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The news immediately raises a fascinating question: Is Sacramento giving a former All-Star the perfect opportunity to rebuild his career, or is Simmons facing one of the biggest prove-it seasons of his life?
The 30-year-old guard-forward signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Sacramento in September after missing the entire 2025–26 campaign. His return to the floor began with a preseason appearance against Golden State on October 10.
The road back to the NBA
Simmons entered the league with enormous expectations after the Philadelphia 76ers selected him first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. He went on to become the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year and a three-time All-Star, earning recognition for his size, court vision, passing and defensive versatility.
But his career has taken a different path in recent seasons, with injuries and limited availability disrupting his progress.
His last NBA regular-season appearance came during the 2024–25 season, when he split time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. He appeared in 51 games, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 22 minutes per game. He also appeared in the 2025 playoffs with the Clippers before missing the following season.
Now, Sacramento is giving him another chance.
Ben Simmons’ recent NBA timeline
2018 — Rookie of the Year
Simmons wins the NBA’s top rookie honor after a standout first season in Philadelphia.
2022–2024 — Availability struggles
Back problems and limited appearances derailed his time in Brooklyn.
2024–25 — Last NBA season before his absence
He plays for Brooklyn and the Clippers, including a brief postseason run.
September–October 2026 — New beginning
Simmons signs with Sacramento, makes his preseason debut and emerges as a projected opening-night starter.
Why the Kings could benefit from Simmons
Sacramento isn’t necessarily asking Simmons to become the leading scorer. His greatest value could come from the things he does best: creating opportunities for teammates, pushing the ball in transition, defending multiple positions and using his 6-foot-10 frame to create matchup problems.
His expected pairing with rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. is particularly intriguing. Acuff can focus on scoring and developing his offensive game while Simmons takes on additional playmaking responsibilities. Acuff praised the freedom Simmons’ presence gave him following the preseason debut.
If the partnership clicks, Sacramento could get a more versatile offense without requiring Simmons to return to his All-Star scoring numbers.
What did Simmons show in his preseason debut?
- 7 Points
- 1 Assist
- 9 Minutes
- 50% Field goals
Sacramento at Golden State • October 10, 2026
Simmons scored seven points on 2-of-4 shooting and added three made free throws in his first preseason appearance with the Kings. The sample was brief, so it is too early to draw firm conclusions about his full-season impact.
The biggest question: Can he stay on the floor?
The projected starting role is encouraging, but it doesn’t erase the uncertainty surrounding Simmons’ availability.
Sacramento needs to see sustained contributions, not simply a promising preseason appearance. Staying healthy, maintaining consistency and finding a productive role alongside the team’s other key players will matter more than the opening-night lineup announcement.
Simmons has previously demonstrated that he can be an elite passer and disruptive defender. Whether he can consistently deliver those strengths again is the question that will define this next chapter.
What this means for Ben Simmons’ future
This is a low-risk, potentially meaningful opportunity for both sides. The Kings get a veteran with extensive NBA experience on a one-year deal, while Simmons gets a chance to re-establish himself in the league.
A successful season doesn’t necessarily require a return to All-Star status. Reliable minutes, strong defense, efficient playmaking and consistent availability could all help rebuild his standing around the NBA.
For now, the projected starting role gives Simmons a head start. The next step is proving he belongs there.
Opening night is October 21 against the Clippers. That’s when the comeback story starts to become more than a preseason headline.
