Free agents Sacramento Kings can after Ben Simmons injury
1] Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown was recently waived by the New York Knicks. However, the head coach, Mike Brown, spoke highly of the veteran and his ability to play on both ends of the floor.
Brown was a vital piece of the 2023 Denver Nuggets team that won the NBA championship. Not only is he a valuable three-point shooter, Brown can initiate the offense and make big defensive plays.
After losing a player like Simmons, the Kings would need someone to fill his void as a two-way player. Brown can definitely do that and bring his championship experience to a young Kings roster.
Getting him on the team will be financially viable for the Kings as they can sign him on a veteran minimum deal.
2] Gabe Vincent
Gabe Vincent has not been the same player since he left the Miami Heat. He signed with the LA Lakers after his run to the NBA Finals with the Heat, but in his three years there, Vincent failed to live up to the promise he showed in Miami.
He was traded to the Atlanta Hawks midseason, but even there, Vincent was not able to deliver. Despite that, bringing in a player like Vincent, who can handle the ball and shoot well from deep, could be a good option for the Kings.
They already have a proven scorer in Darius Acuff Jr.; all they need from Vincent is reliability. In the last few years, Vincent has not really shown any flashes of being reliable, but this is a low-risk, high-reward move, as he has had some big games in the playoffs, where his ability to handle the ball and score proved to be very useful.
Players on the Sacramento Kings who need to step up
De’Andre Hunter
De’Andre Hunter was traded to the Kings midseason, and just two games into his time in Sacramento, he suffered an injury that ended his season. However, with Simmons ruled out, Hunter will now have to be the player that lifts the team.
Like Simmons, Hunter is a brilliant defender, and although he can’t handle the ball like the Australian, the former Hawks player can be a threat from three-point range.
In his best season, Hunter averaged 19 points, which shows that he can be an offensive weapon if used in the right fashion.
Domantas Sabonis
With or without Simmons, Sabonis is the most crucial player for the Kings. However, the injury to Simmons has only increased the responsibility on him.
He played only 19 games last season, averaging 15.8 points and 11.4 rebounds. But with him back fit, the Latvian will play a huge role in the Kings’ season.
The three-time All-Star is an underrated passer. In the 2023-24 season, Sabonis averaged 8.2 assists for the Kings. They will need him to replicate something similar and put up good defensive displays if they are to have any chance of staying competitive.