In one of the most significant comeback stories this summer, three-time All-Star Ben Simmons is set to make his NBA return after missing the 2025-26 season. Having signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, Simmons is gearing up to return to the floor.

Ben Simmons has arguably been one of the most polarizing figures over the past few years. Barring his inherent gifts as a playmaker and defender, Simmons’ recurring injuries and tendency to fade in key moments have earned considerable criticism. Despite all this, there is excitement surrounding Simmons’ return.

After a year away from the game, concerns about his abilities are justified. On that note, Ben Simmons’ godfather and former LSU coach David Patrick joined “The Matt & Kayla Show” to provide an update on the 30-year-old guard. While speaking about aspects of the game that Simmons has focused on before making his return, Patrick shared:

“I think the main thing was getting his back healthy, right? Anytime your back’s hurt, everything else everything else falls out of line. And so I think from that he was able to get his body back right. Get his core and back right, get his legs back under him, which he has.”

A major reason for Ben Simmons’ limited availability was a back injury that kept him sidelined for the 2021-22 season. Although he returned to play for the Brooklyn Nets in the following campaign, he was clearly still dealing with the injury, as his struggles with availability continued.

Now, after a year of recovering, the 30-year-old appears to be at full strength. However, this was far from being the most reassuring part of Patrick’s update.

“I think when you’re in the gym, and you’re putting in shots, that confidence comes back from putting in work,” Patrick added. “So, for me, the last time he shot a three-pointer was at LSU on the road at College of Charleston. I’ll never forget it. It would have been like 2016, you know, and he comes to camp, and he’s shooting threes in live play.”

“Doesn’t care whether they make or miss. Three-point shooting doesn’t define his career. For whatever reason, it has during his time in the NBA. But he would never attempt those shots the last time I saw him. So, that swagger is back.”

Patrick concluded by highlighting Simmons’ mental preparation, how the veteran guard has bought into his new role, and what he’s expected to bring to the table. However, the most important factor remains his confidence and his hunger.

As a player, Ben Simmons isn’t expected to shoot threes, and at this point in his career, any footage of him shooting three-pointers during offseason training doesn’t inspire confidence. However, Patrick’s statement suggests the three-time All-Star has found his “swagger” again, and given what he’s capable of producing when he’s confident, the Kings may benefit greatly from his addition.

Sacramento isn’t likely to get the best version of Ben Simmons. But considering that he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game during his last campaign (2024-25), even a healthy version could prove valuable.

For the most part, Ben Simmons is expected to serve as the Kings’ backup point guard behind Darius Acuff Jr. While a veteran addition like Simmons would typically play a mentorship role, too, there is a general expectation that this will not be the case with the 30-year-old.

As a reliable floor general and a versatile point-of-attack defender, Simmons will likely be responsible for shoring up Sacramento’s second unit. Should the guard fulfill his duties, sources suggest the Kings may even be open to a long-term partnership.