Sacramento Kings hand over the keys of the team to the "very much titled" Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons is getting another chance in the NBA, and he does so with an unexpected responsibility. The Australian will start the 2026/27 season as the starting point guard for the Sacramento Kings, who have decided to trust him to lead the game alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr. After missing the entire last season, the three-time All-Star has impressed coach Doug Christie during the preseason and will have the opportunity to prove that he can still be an important player in the league.

Sacramento's bet represents a shift in the situation of a player who a few years ago seemed destined to dominate the NBA. Now, at 30 years old, Simmons needs to regain consistency and show that his talent still has a place in a competition that has evolved while he dealt with his physical issues.

The Kings bet on Ben Simmons as the starting point guard

The Sacramento Kings have confirmed that Simmons will be part of the starting lineup in the season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers. He will share the backcourt with Darius Acuff Jr., while Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis will complete the starting five.

The decision represents an important opportunity for Simmons, who joined Sacramento as a free agent after also attracting interest from the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks. However, the Kings were ultimately the only franchise that offered him a contract.

The Australian signed a one-year non-guaranteed deal and had to earn his spot on the roster. His performance during the preseason has convinced coach Doug Christie’s staff, who now entrust him with the responsibility of leading the team from day one.

His debut against the Warriors saw him score 7 points and provide one assist in just seven minutes of play. A showing still insufficient to draw major conclusions, but being named the starter indicates that Sacramento is willing to give him room to regain his best version.

From star in Philadelphia to a new opportunity in Sacramento

Simmons’ journey explains why his situation generates so much anticipation. Chosen as the number one pick in the 2016 Draft, he was named Rookie of the Year in 2018 and participated in three All-Star editions. His combination of height, speed, court vision, and defensive ability made him one of the most unique players in the NBA.

In Philadelphia, he stood out as an offensive playmaker and versatile defender, able to take on responsibilities in different positions. However, his difficulties in developing a consistent outside shot and physical problems ultimately hindered his progress.

His stint in Brooklyn also did not allow him to regain consistency. In the 2024/25 season, he played 51 games between the Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 5 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 22 minutes per game. He then did not play throughout the 2025/26 season.

For this reason, his return with Sacramento should not be interpreted as the automatic recovery of the star he was in Philadelphia. The challenge is to demonstrate that he can stay available and contribute regularly, even if his role is different from what he had during his best years.

What can he bring to the Kings?

Simmons’ starting role makes sense if Sacramento wants to leverage his best qualities. His court vision, ability to push transitions, and skill in finding teammates can help organize the offense without solely depending on LaVine or other scorers.

His partnership with Domantas Sabonis also offers interesting possibilities. Simmons can speed up play after rebounds and find the pivot in favorable situations, while Sabonis can act as a support point in half-court offense. The presence of Acuff Jr. adds another option for sharing responsibilities in directing the team.

Defensively, the Australian retains physical attributes that allow him to cover multiple positions and create problems for opponents. If he can regain the necessary mobility and consistency, he could become a useful resource for protecting passing lanes, defending larger players than traditional point guards, and assisting in rebounding.

The main question remains his offensive threat. Simmons has never developed a reliable outside shot, and opponents can exploit this limitation to close down space and hinder his drives. Sacramento will need to surround him with enough shooters to prevent his presence from reducing options for his teammates.

Are we witnessing Ben Simmons' last opportunity?

The Kings' decision makes the 2026/27 season a decisive test for the Australian. The non-guaranteed contract forced him to prove that he deserved a spot on the roster, and the starting role represents a reward for the feelings he has conveyed during the preseason.

But now the most demanding part begins. Simmons will have to maintain his level when the games really count, demonstrate that he can keep pace with the competition, and find a role that adds value to the team. He doesn’t need to return to being the player who aspired to dominate the NBA, but he must show that he can contribute consistently.

His role as a starter also increases the responsibility. He will have to direct the offense, make good decisions, and help the Kings find a collective identity. If he can do this, he could extend his career in the league and open the door to new opportunities.

Ben Simmons still has the tools to be a useful player in the NBA, but he no longer has the same margin for error. Sacramento has given him more than just a contract: it has offered him the chance to start the season as a starter and show that the positive feelings from the summer can translate into official competition.

The gamble is risky, but also understandable. The Kings have little to lose with a one-season contract and much to gain if they recover some of the talent that made Simmons a star. Now it is up to the Australian to prove that he can still compete at the highest level.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sacramento Kings entrega las llaves del equipo al "titularísimo" Ben Simmons