Ben Simmons' Comeback: Sacramento Kings GM Scott Perry on the All-Star's Return

Ben Simmons is attempting a career relaunch with the Sacramento Kings after stints with Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles. Following the retirement of Russell Westbrook, the Kings agreed to evaluate the 30-year-old guard, with general manager Scott Perry traveling to Miami over the summer to watch a private workout and assess the player’s physical condition and competitive motivations.

Evaluating the Physical Recovery and Motivation in Miami

Simmons celebrated his 30th birthday shortly around the time of the summer workout session in Florida. Perry made the trip to observe the guard firsthand after receiving positive evaluations from members of his staff who had interacted with individuals monitoring Simmons during national team training sessions in Australia earlier in the summer. According to the former New York Knicks executive, those reports indicated the former All-Star was healthy and motivated to return to the NBA in the right environment.

During their meeting in Miami, Perry questioned why Simmons wanted to return to basketball after already securing substantial career earnings and success. Simmons replied that he had been healthy for the previous four or five months—marking the first extended period without physical setbacks in two years—and stated that he missed competition, team camaraderie, and the opportunity to contribute on the court.

“I saw a healthy player, with a verticality and explosiveness that resembled what he possessed in Philadelphia,” Perry said regarding the workout. Despite the positive initial impressions, the team acknowledged that summer workouts do not guarantee a return to peak form. Simmons signed a non-guaranteed contract and faces a battle during training camp to earn a permanent roster spot.

Tactical Fit and Backup Point Guard Role in Sacramento

With Russell Westbrook having retired, Sacramento entered the offseason seeking a backcourt facilitator to log reserve minutes behind rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. Simmons fits that tactical need naturally through his passing vision, court awareness, and physical frame. Perry confirmed the team’s search for a backup playmaker, noting that Simmons possesses the necessary attributes for the position provided he remains healthy.

At 6-foot-8, Simmons also offers defensive versatility across multiple positions. The Kings intend to deploy his length to defend opposing perimeter players and disrupt passing lanes, returning to the defensive form that established him as an elite stopper earlier in his career with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“We are only in the early stages,” Perry said. “For now, he appears to be in a very good mindset. We will be there to hold him accountable while supporting him on his journey.”