The Kings have a clear idea of what Ben Simmons could bring to Sacramento: size, passing, and defensive flexibility from the point guard spot. What they do not have, at least in Sean Cunningham’s view, is a reason to start talking like the upside is already a sure thing.
On Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, the KCRA 3 reporter said he understands why the Kings signed Simmons, but he’s not ready to dress it up as a major swing. Cunningham said he leans on what he’s seen, and what he’s seen over the past several years is a player whose availability has been far too limited.
“I just always trust my eyes when it comes to this,” Cunningham said. “The guy for the better part of a decade has only played 108 games, something like that. It’s just not the most promising.”
That caution comes with the obvious backdrop: Simmons was once one of the league’s most unusual young talents. He was the No. 1 overall pick, made three All-Star teams, earned two All-Defensive nods and an All-NBA selection with Philadelphia. At his best, he could guard multiple spots, rebound like a forward and run an offense despite standing 6-foot-10.
The numbers from his career still show that versatility. Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game.
But injuries have changed the conversation around him completely. He missed the entire 2021-22 season and has played just 108 games across the last three seasons.
His most recent NBA season, 2024-25, was a muted one. Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 51 games split between Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Clippers. He then missed the entire 2025-26 season because of chronic back issues.
That context helps explain why Sacramento’s commitment was so modest: one year and $3.5 million. It’s the kind of contract that says the Kings are willing to take a look without pretending they’ve solved anything.
“I think the simple answer is they trust their eyes,” Cunningham said. “They trust the potential and the highest upside possible.”
He added that both Scott Perry and Doug Christie had the chance to watch Simmons work out in Sacramento, which matters when a team is deciding whether a player still has something left to give.
“If the likes of Doug Christie and Scott Perry look at him and think that there’s something to contribute, that’s great,” Cunningham said.
For the Kings, the bet is not on the version of Simmons that once piled up All-NBA and All-Defensive recognition. It’s on the possibility that enough of that player still exists to help.
Cunningham sees value in the move. He just doesn’t see a clean path to calling it a true high-reward play.
“I think it’s a kick-the-tires move,” Cunningham said, “and a back-end roster spot that could potentially become something else.”
For Sacramento, that may be enough.
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