A strong pre-season outing on the eve of the NBA season has one all-time great believing Ben Simmons will put together an incredible return year together.
The Australian signed with the Sacramento Kings for the 2026-2027 season on a one-year deal, after taking 12 months away to get his mind and body right.
Ben Simmons of the Kings takes on Victor Wembanyama. AP
Simmons had been battling an ongoing back issue which greatly limited the former All-Star, reducing him to a depth role player for the Nets and Clippers.
However, the Aussie has shown some great signs across his pre-season with the Kings, particularly in their most recent game against San Antonio.
Sacramento were blown off the park by last year’s western conference champions, but Simmons impressed with 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
While the 30-year-old’s explosive offensive game from his Philly days isn’t breaking through just yet, he moved well in transition, passed the ball beautifully and attacked the rim with much more confidence than we saw in recent seasons.
It was enough for Dwight Howard to let the world know his thoughts on X.
“Ben Simmons going to have the greatest comeback story in NBA history,” Howard posted on social media.
While that may be hyperbolic, Simmons could carve out a strong role for himself on a Kings team not expected to be in playoff contention.
He is expected to start games and if he is able to put a strong season together, he will undoubtedly earn a multi-year contract from Sacramento or somewhere else.
Spurs broadcaster Dan Weiss also liked what he saw from Simmons during the pre-season game.
“I’m really impressed,” Weiss said during the coverage.
“He’s done a little bit of everything.”
Speaking during the week, Simmons said he knew the first team to watch him train would give him an NBA contract, admitting he turned down multiple franchises who wanted him to come compete for a spot across the off-season.
“I knew whoever the first team that came to see me and see where I was at physically on the court, they were going to sign me. That’s how I felt the moment the Kings came down and saw me,” Simmons said.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry shoots against Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons. AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn
“I had a bunch of teams that wanted me to come to camps and play for a spot, which is fine. I think they would have had different decisions if they would have seen me. But I think, I’m right where I need to be, at the right time.”
The NBA season gets underway on Wednesday, with Boston taking on Detroit, while Sacramento will play their first game of the year on Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Simmons has flagged his desire to represent the Boomers at the 2028 LA Olympics, but must first show he can get through an NBA season and return to something near his best.
He will then likely have to put his hand up for 2027’s FIBA World Cup in Qatar next August to put himself in the mix.