Why Edgecombe Can’t Wait for His NBA Sophomore Season Alongside LeBron James

Draymond Green Applauds Ben Simmons’ NBA Return

Speaking on an episode of his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, the four-time NBA champion expressed clear support for Simmons’ comeback. According to Green, talents like the 6-foot-10 guard do not appear every day in professional basketball.

“Number one, I’m happy to see Ben Simmons back in the NBA,” Green said on the program. “Simmons is a talent that — it doesn’t grow on trees and we also don’t get the opportunity to see in the NBA everyday.”

Simmons used his time away from the court during the offseason to undergo several workouts and let his body heal. His summer training sessions ultimately convinced the Sacramento front office to take a chance on the player.

Green pointed out that public criticism often unfairly targets a player’s skill set when injuries derail their career. Drawing on his own experiences with physical setbacks, Green detailed the severe toll that back trouble takes on an athlete.

“You cannot move. You can’t touch your toes. You can barely sit. You get tingling down your feet. You get it down your legs, and it goes into your feet. It’s painful. And most importantly, it’s mentally draining,” Green said.

Impact on Sacramento Kings Rookie Darius Acuff Jr.

Beyond individual redemption, Green emphasized that the addition of Simmons provides a benefit for the Kings’ younger roster. Specifically, Green highlighted how Simmons’ presence will aid 19-year-old point guard Darius Acuff Jr., whom Sacramento selected seventh overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.

“When I look at this signing, I think this is great for Darius Acuff,” Green explained. “You have a Ben Simmons who’s eager to make it right, he’s going to give you the game. And he’s going to work his ass off. I think this is great for Darius Acuff. Let’s face it, Ben Simmons is Ben Simmons.”

Green noted that the attention surrounding Simmons will help deflect external pressure away from Acuff during his rookie campaign. While acknowledging that Simmons may not immediately replicate his peak All-Star numbers from earlier in his career, Green stressed that basketball IQ and feel for the game remain intact when a player achieves full health.

Recent Context and Roster Dynamics in Sacramento

Prior to finalizing his deal with Sacramento, Simmons reportedly drew interest from several other franchises, including the Golden State Warriors, Timberwolves, and the Knicks, though none of those teams extended a formal contract offer.

Simmons enters a Sacramento locker room experiencing notable transition. When he last played in the 2024-25 season, Simmons appeared in 51 games, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 52.0% from the floor. The Kings roster currently features Zach LaVine alongside Domantas Sabonis, who has worked his way back from injury amidst ongoing trade speculation following the departures of DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook.