Ben Simmons is walking into a chance he probably didn’t see coming when his 76ers run ended in such a messy way.
Heading toward the 2026-27 season, the former Philadelphia star is in line for a major reset with the Sacramento Kings, and the early belief around the league is that he’ll open the year in the starting lineup. For a player who spent the last year away from the NBA and then turned in a forgettable stretch with the LA Clippers in his most recent action, that’s a pretty significant development.
Simmons has only played in one preseason game for Sacramento so far, but he started that night as a nominal forward. At this point, that looks like it could be the plan once the season begins.
It’s a sharp turn from the uncertainty that followed his departure from Philadelphia. His time with the Brooklyn Nets brought regular starts when he was available, but the fit never really clicked. Sacramento, at least right now, feels different in the sense that it’s still a blank slate for him.
The Kings appear ready to see whether they can rebuild some of his value, and putting him in the starting group is the clearest way to use him. With Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Darius Acuff Jr. expected to be the primary scorers, Simmons can slide into a supporting role.
That might actually suit him. He’s still a strong playmaker and a useful defender, and those traits should play next to Sacramento’s core. He doesn’t need to be the same player who carried so much responsibility with Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, and that takes plenty of pressure off.
Maybe he never gets back to All-Star form. But at this point in his career, a steady starting job is a real opportunity. For Simmons, this could be the best shot he’s had since leaving the 76ers to become a dependable contributor, and he can’t afford to let it slip away.
In Other News...
Sixers Broadcast Just Added A Familiar NBA Voice For Game Coverage
NBC Sports Philadelphia is making a notable addition to its 76ers broadcast team, bringing in Tom Haberstroh as sideline reporter for the clubs live game coverage. Haberstroh, a familiar NBA voice to many viewers, is set to be on the floor for the teams final preseason game on October 16 before formally debuting on the regular-season opener on October 24.
The move gives the network another experienced presence around the team as it gears up for the season, while Amy Fadool will continue to have a major role as well. She is slated to serve as sideline reporter for select games and to lead the networks live gameday shows, giving Philadelphia viewers a broadcast setup with both continuity and a new wrinkle to watch once the games count. [Read more 🡒]
76ers Suddenly Have A Backup Center Decision Fans Should Watch
Dominick Barlow has barely factored into the 76ers preseason to this point, and it is starting to look as if he may not get much of a chance to change that before opening night. Philadelphias rotation is still taking shape, but the team has clearly given more run to other frontcourt options as it sorts through who can fill the backup center spot behind the starters.
Jabari Walker and Dean Wade have both logged more playing time and appear to be ahead in the pecking order for now, which leaves Barlow in a tricky spot as the roster decisions tighten. With the regular season approaching, the 76ers still have time to sort through the details, but this is one of the quieter battles worth watching as the final rotation comes into focus. [Read more 🡒]
Nick Nurse Has One Last 76ers Rotation Call To Make
The 76ers head into their preseason finale against the Celtics with one last look at the roster before the games start to count, and there are still a few rotation decisions hanging in the balance. Justin Edwards and Labaron Philon Jr. have flashed at times but have also had their uneven moments, while Adem Bonas left foot sprain has kept him out entirely as Philadelphia continues to manage both health and development.
Nick Nurse and his staff are using this final tune-up to sort through those competing factors and settle on the shape of the opening-night group. The challenge is familiar for a team still trying to define roles: weigh the performances that have stood out, account for who is available, and decide which young players are ready for real minutes when the regular season begins. [Read more 🡒]