NBA Notes: Kings, Ben Simmons, Grizzlies, Cameron Boozer, Cavs

Kings

We already know Ben Simmons is headed back to the NBA with the Kings. Now comes the more interesting question: What can he actually do for them?

Will Zimmerle of NBA on SI identified Darius Acuff Jr., Keegan Murray and coach Doug Christie as three potential beneficiaries, and there’s logic behind each.

Acuff, the No. 7 overall pick, won’t necessarily have to handle all of the playmaking responsibilities immediately. Simmons remains an excellent passer when healthy and averaged 5.6 assists in just 22 minutes per game in 2024-25.

Murray could benefit defensively. Simmons isn’t the defender he was during his All-NBA days, but at 6-foot-10, he still gives Christie another big body capable of guarding multiple positions.

And Christie? Well, he has options.

Simmons’ inability to shoot remains the obvious problem. But for $3.5 million, Sacramento isn’t asking him to become an All-Star again.

If he can defend, distribute and make life a little easier on the Kings’ younger players, that’s probably enough.

Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer hasn’t played an NBA game yet, but expectations are already plenty high in Memphis.

ESPN recently picked the No. 3 overall selection as its preseason choice for Rookie of the Year, ahead of Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa. And Amir Motameni of NBA on SI thinks opportunity could be Boozer’s biggest advantage.

The Grizzlies are rebuilding and should have every reason to put the ball in Boozer’s hands immediately. The former Duke standout can score, rebound and create for others, and Memphis isn’t exactly bringing him along to stand in the corner.

That doesn’t necessarily make Boozer the best rookie in the class. We don’t know that yet.

But Rookie of the Year is often about opportunity as much as anything else. Boozer should get plenty of it.

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers will look considerably different around the edges this season, and Zach Weiss of NBA on SI identified Sam Merrill, Evan Mobley and Tyrese Proctor as three players whose roles could change.

Merrill could move from frequent starter to sixth man after starting 38 of his 52 appearances last season.

Mobley is the bigger one. He averaged a career-high 13.2 field-goal attempts last season, but there’s reason to believe Cleveland will feed him even more.

James Harden gives the Cavs one of the best passers of his generation, and Donovan Mitchell just said he expects Mobley to make another significant leap. So perhaps 15 or 16 shots a night isn’t unreasonable. 

Then there’s Proctor, who could earn a larger role after showing flashes as a rookie and playing well for Australia over the summer.

The Cavs reached the Eastern Conference finals last season. Finding a little more from players already on the roster might be one way they get even further.