Apr 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) looks on during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
After a one-year hiatus from the league, Ben Simmons has officially signed his latest NBA contract: a one-year, $3.5 million non-guaranteed deal with the Sacramento Kings. It’s not the most glamorous situation, but it marks a major step for Simmons, who had been working hard to return to action and revive his basketball career.
Like many others around the league, veteran point guard Patrick Beverley has doubts about Ben’s comeback and even went so far as to suggest he hasn’t earned the opportunity. Today, Simmons responded to the claim and delivered a passionate message about overcoming struggles.
“Walk away…. ? I played two years not physically right,” wrote Simmons in an Instagram comment. “This ain’t no handout. I worked my a** off to be in position to play the game I f**king love! Y’all will continue to make up stories for your own benefits and that’s more telling about who you are.”
Simmons, 30, was once counted among the top young players in the game. During his run with the Philadelphia 76ers, he was the face of the franchise and made a fortune in salary, averaging 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game on 56.0% shooting. Sadly, after an embarrassing loss in the 2021 playoffs, Simmons forced his way out of the franchise, citing mental health problems that led to a dramatic exit from the franchise.
Last season, after years of injuries, waning confidence, and meager stats on the court, Simmons went unsigned the whole way through, and there were doubts that he would ever join another NBA roster. For Patrick Beverley, Simmons essentially quit on the game after making millions, and he doesn’t see why he deserves a roster spot over guys like Cam Thomas and Victor Oladipo.
Nevertheless, the Kings are giving him a chance, and Ben believes it’s more than fair. While Simmons has made plenty of mistakes along the way, it’s injuries that have held him back the most. After that final season in Philadelphia, he struggled to get his body right as his confidence waned with each passing game. The result was an underwhelming stretch of play that many fans will likely forget.
On the Kings, it’s unclear what kind of role Simmons will have, but he’s not taking the opportunity lightly. According to his own testimony, he’s been working hard behind the scenes to restore his game and ensure a smooth transition back into action. As a 6’10” ball handler with elite defensive instincts, he certainly has the skill set to make an impact, but it remains to be seen if he has the patience and temperament to become a consistent contributor for the team.
Regardless of his own confidence, Simmons will have to prove his game on the court before anyone talks seriously about his long-term NBA future. We see videos every summer of him growing and expanding his game, but fans are no longer buying the act. To truly prove that he belongs in this league, Ben Simmons will need to have another breakout season, and the Kings are in a perfect position to help him achieve that feat.