Why Ben Simmons, Sacramento Kings are exactly what each other need

Ben Simmons needed a team, any NBA team, willing to give him one more chance.

The Sacramento Kings needed a player, any player, to fill out a 2026-27 roster that, until Sept. 4, had not added a free agent from outside the organization this offseason.

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In that way, the Kings always made sense as the landing spot for Simmons’ NBA comeback attempt. Only a team searching for answers would think the 2016 No. 1 pick can still provide value after sitting out last season and dabbling in professional fishing. Only a desperate veteran would volunteer to join the current salary cap woes and lack of direction the Kings are enduring under current owner Vivek Ranadivé.

Simmons signed with the Kings on Friday, Sept. 4, according to multiple reports. This will be his 10th NBA season, but only his eighth playing in games as injuries and contract issues cost him two full seasons.

Here’s why Simmons could revive his NBA career in Sacramento and why it still might not work:

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NBA champions through the years

2026: New York Knicks (beat San Antonio Spurs in five games)

(Dustin Safranek, Imagn Images)

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NBA champions through the years

2026: New York Knicks (beat San Antonio Spurs in five games)

(Dustin Safranek, Imagn Images)

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NBA champions through the years

2025: Oklahoma City Thunder (beat Indiana Pacers in seven games)

(Kyle Terada, Imagn Images)

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NBA champions through the years

2024: Boston Celtics (beat Dallas Mavericks in five games)

(Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA champions through the years

2023: Denver Nuggets (beat Miami Heat in five games)

(Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA champions through the years

2022: Golden State Warriors (beat Boston Celtics in six games)

(Adam Glanzman, Getty Images)

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NBA champions through the years

2021: Milwaukee Bucks (beat Phoenix Suns in six games)

(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA champions through the years

2020: Los Angeles Lakers (beat Miami Heat in six games)

(Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA champions through the years

2019: Toronto Raptors (beat Golden State Warriors in six games)

(Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA champions…

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Publish date : 2026-09-04 16:29:00

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