Ben Simmons is back in the NBA with the Kings on a one-year deal. But apparently, this doesn’t necessarily have to be a one-year relationship.
ESPN and Andscape’s Marc J. Spears said Simmons could be interested in staying in Sacramento beyond this season if his comeback goes well and the Kings want him back.
Spears said Simmons’ sister described him as a loyal person who could be inclined to stick with a team that gave him an opportunity.
“If they gave him the opportunity and he does well, and they want him back, and it’s fair, I think he’d wanna stay,” Spears said on Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross.
That’s getting a little ahead of things, of course.
Simmons, 30, didn’t play at all last season while rehabilitating lingering back and leg issues. He’s played just 108 NBA games since the end of the 2020-21 season.
First comes staying healthy. Then comes proving he can still help. The Kings evidently believe he can.
Simmons went through a workout, medical examination and meetings with Sacramento officials before agreeing to his one-year, $3.5 million contract. Spears added that the Kings envision Simmons backing up rookie Darius Acuff Jr. while also potentially playing all five positions.
That last part is probably where this gets interesting.
Nobody should expect the old All-Star Simmons to suddenly reappear. But a healthy 6-foot-10 defender, passer and rebounder who can handle multiple roles?
There’s still a place in the NBA for that guy. If Sacramento gets that guy, perhaps Simmons won’t be going anywhere next summer.
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