Oct 10, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons (25) warms up before a game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images
Oct 10, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons (25) warms up before a game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images
The Sacramento Kings don’t have much to play for this season, but Ben Simmons‘ return is one story that every fan will be following over the next few weeks and months. The three-time All-Star didn’t play a single game last season, and it was unclear if he would ever get another opportunity to make an NBA roster.
But after impressing scouts at a workout this summer, the Kings decided to give Simmons a chance, and the early signs look promising. According to Ben, who recently spoke to the media, taking that year off is the best thing that happened in his career.
“I just think for myself, I needed it. People can say what they want about not wanting to play, this, that, and the third. But I needed to get away from the game. I needed to get my back right to be able to play this game at a high level,” Simmons told NBC Sports California’s Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan. “I think the one thing people kept saying to me was, ‘It’s gonna be hard to get back.’ And I was fine with that, but I also know what I’m able to give the game. So taking that year off is the best thing I’ve done in my career.”
It’s unusual for an NBA player to step away from the game at a prime athletic age, but Simmons was at the end of his rope. The initial downfall began in Philadelphia, during the 2021 NBA playoffs. Simmons’ offensive limitations were exposed in the series, and his confidence was shot to the point where he was passing up wide-open layups. What ensued was layers of heavy criticism toward Ben, which culminated in his falling out with the team as he cited mental health concerns.
He was eventually traded to the Brooklyn Nets, but injuries decimated any chance at a successful tenure. Over the next three seasons, he missed over half the team’s games until he was finally traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he faded into total obscurity. Year after year, it was a cycle of struggle for Simmons, who just wasn’t in the right place physically or mentally to play up to his standards.
Now, however, Simmons has a fresh start in Sacramento, and there is growing belief that it could be the comeback campaign we’ve all been waiting for. It started with a standout performance at training camp, where he made a strong impression on coaches. Then, in the preseason, he showed flashes of greatness on the floor, dropping seven points and one assist on 50% shooting in just nine minutes.
While it may not look impressive on paper, it’s a notable step for someone who was out of the league a few months ago. If things hold as they are, Simmons could even start for the Kings by opening night, showing just how far he’s come after hitting rock bottom.
Ultimately, Ben Simmons still has a lot to prove, but he is carrying himself like a totally different player than the one we saw in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. He’s acknowledged his past, battled his personal demons, and is ready to charge forward with his best foot forward. It helps that he’s finally with a team that fully believes in his comeback potential.
Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media.