Ben Simmons is back in the NBA, and the former All-Star believes Sacramento was always going to be the right destination once the Kings saw him in person.
After missing the entire 2025-26 season, Simmons signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with Sacramento, giving him another opportunity to revive his career following several injury-plagued seasons.
Speaking with NBC Sports California’s Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan during Media Day, Simmons revealed he was confident the first team to watch him work out would offer him a contract.
“It’s not in the cocky way or anything, but for me, I knew the first team that came to see me, to see where I was at physically and on the court, they were going to sign me,” Simmons said. “That’s how I felt from the moment [general manager] Scott [Perry] came down and saw me.”
Kings general manager Scott Perry traveled to Florida in late August to evaluate Simmons, with the pair also holding an hour-long meeting.
Simmons subsequently visited Sacramento for medical evaluations, another workout and meetings with head coach Doug Christie and other members of the organization, according to NBC Sports Bay Area.
While other teams had expressed interest, Simmons explained why Sacramento’s approach stood out.
“I had a bunch of teams that wanted me to come to camps and play for a spot and things like that, which is fine,” Simmons said. “I think they would have had different decisions if they had seen me. But I think I’m right where I need to be at the right time.”
The Kings are hoping Simmons can provide size, playmaking and defensive versatility while offering additional backcourt support behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr.
For Ben, however, the biggest difference heading into the season is his health.
“I’m just excited to get going and be able to do it healthy — with nothing in the back of my mind where I can be hesitant with certain things,” Simmons said. “I’m taking a few hits already in practice and it felt great. I’m ready to go.”
After a full season on the sidelines, Simmons now has the opportunity to prove he can still contribute at the NBA level, with Sacramento giving him the guaranteed roster spot other interested teams weren’t offering.
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