Ben Simmons has agreed to a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings ahead of the 2026–27 National Basketball Association season. Entering the team’s media day at the franchise practice facility, the 30-year-old guard addressed persistent questions regarding his career trajectory and health following a full season away from the court.
Sacramento Media Day Debut and Roster Context
On Sept. 29, 2026, the Sacramento Kings hosted their official media availability at their practice facility. Simmons stepped in front of cameras alongside teammates Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, and rookie Darius Ackauf Jr. The appearance marked his first major public team function since news broke on Sept. 4 that he had finalized a one-year deal with the front office.
Standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 238 pounds, Simmons brings unique positional versatility to Sacramento. Selected first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, the former Rookie of the Year earned three All-Star selections, one All-NBA nod, and two All-Defensive team selections during his tenure with Philadelphia.
Addressing Criticism and Embracing the Game as Art
His preceding three campaigns were marked by single-digit scoring averages and limited minutes, falling below 30.0 minutes per contest. Those struggles drew intense public scrutiny and skepticism regarding his commitment to the sport.
Simmons rejected the notion that he lacks dedication to basketball.
“Everyone says I don’t love this game, but that’s garbage,” Simmons said during media day. “I love this game. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have spent a whole year facing myself and working to get back to this condition.”
Describing his enduring bond with the sport, the veteran guard likened his craft to creative expression.
“What do I love about this sport? Everything,” Simmons said. “It’s art to me. Being able to be creative on the court, play hard, and compete against many talented players. It’s in my blood. It’s what I’ve been doing since I was a baby.”
Recovery Roadblock and Physical Reset
The primary barrier to Simmons’ production in recent years has been chronic back trouble, which restricted his mobility and stripped away his trademark open-court freedom. Reclaiming his health required a radical departure from the game.
“For a whole year, I didn’t touch a ball at all, and I didn’t watch basketball games either,” Simmons said. “I was just focused on getting my mind and body right. I knew myself when I would be ready to return, and it turned out that way. It was really frustrating not being able to play, but it’s hard to play unless you’re at 100 percent.”
Tactical Fit in Sacramento
With the Kings, Simmons joins a backcourt rotation that features Malik Monk and rookie Darius Ackauf Jr. Head coach options include deploying Simmons’ oversized frame to initiate the offense as a point guard or sliding him across multiple frontcourt positions depending on matchup requirements.
Sacramento opens its competitive calendar as training camp progresses toward the regular-season tip-off.
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