Ben Simmons might actually be back.
The former No. 1 overall pick is reportedly putting together an outstanding training camp with the Sacramento Kings, and NBA insider Marc J. Spears says he wouldn’t be surprised if Simmons is in the starting lineup within the first month of the season.
And the biggest compliment?
He reportedly looks like the Ben Simmons we saw in Philadelphia.
“I’ve heard he’s had an outstanding camp. 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.”
— Marc J. Spears
That is a massive development for a player whose career has been derailed by injuries and missed time.
THE KINGS ARE TAKING IT SLOW
Despite the rave reviews coming out of Sacramento, the Kings aren’t rushing Simmons back into game action.
Simmons is not expected to play in Sacramento’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. Spears reported that the Kings are targeting either Thursday’s game against the Lakers or Saturday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors for his preseason debut. (SI)
The approach makes sense.
Simmons missed the entire 2025-26 season while dealing with chronic back issues and has not appeared in an NBA game since April 2025. Sacramento signed the three-time All-Star to a one-year, $3.5 million contract in September.
Now the Kings appear determined to make sure he is fully ready before unleashing him.
COULD PHILLY BEN REALLY BE BACK?
That’s the million-dollar question.
Simmons was one of the NBA’s most unique players during his Philadelphia 76ers run.
The 6-foot-10 playmaker could handle the ball, defend multiple positions, push the break and create opportunities for teammates without needing to dominate the ball offensively.
He was a three-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive selection during his career.
If even a significant portion of that version returns, Sacramento could have picked up one of the more intriguing reclamation projects in the league.
Kings head coach Doug Christie has already praised Simmons’ presence and approach during camp, while Simmons has reportedly been putting in additional work with Sacramento’s coaching staff.
THE COMEBACK JUST GOT INTERESTING
Simmons isn’t being handed a starting job.
But if the reports coming out of Sacramento are accurate, he may force the Kings to give him one.
Going from missing an entire season to potentially becoming a starter within the first month would be a remarkable turnaround.
For Simmons, this isn’t simply about making an NBA roster anymore.
It’s about proving that the player who once looked like one of basketball’s brightest young stars is still in there.
And if he really is starting to look like Philadelphia Ben again, then the Kings could be home for one of the great comeback stories in recent memory.
What We Know
- 👑 Simmons is entering his first season with Sacramento.
- 💰 He signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Kings.
- 🏀 Spears reports Simmons has had an outstanding training camp.
- 🔥 Spears says Simmons could potentially become a starter within the first month.
- 👀 Simmons is reportedly looking like his old Philadelphia self.
- ⏳ Sacramento is ramping him up cautiously after his extended absence.
- 📅 His preseason debut is expected Thursday against the Lakers or Saturday against Golden State.
Sneaker Shop Talk Take
If Ben Simmons really looks like Philly Ben again, Sacramento may have just found one of the biggest comeback stories of the NBA season.
The talent was never really the question.
Can his body and mind finally let him show it consistently?
That’s what we’re about to find out.
Are you a believer in the Ben Simmons comeback
