Richard Jefferson is not backing off the Ben Simmons hype.
With Simmons back in the NBA on a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, the former three-time All-Star is once again a talking point around the league. He spent an entire season away from the game before landing in Sacramento, and the move has already put the Kings under a brighter spotlight heading into next season.
Jefferson, speaking on “ The Aussie Hoops Tour,” said Simmons still has the tools to matter in a major way if everything comes together.
“I think you should have no expectations,” Jefferson began. “Not of his playing.
But basketball, like many other sports, as much as it is physical, it is mental. Ben has always had the talent.
Ben has the talent to be an All-Star this year; if Ben goes and has the best season, he’s healthy.”
He went even further when breaking down what Simmons can still be if his body and mind are both in the right place.
“[If] his back is right. He has the talent to be an all-defensive player, to be a DPOY-level talent because he can guard one through five positions.
And then there’s just his ability to play. But for Ben, there’s a mental aspect that’s a big part of the game.
And so for me, I think some of his struggles were physical; some of them became mental. And I root for every player.
I want Ben to get back to the love and joy that he has for the game because that lowers the mental stress.”
The message from Jefferson was clear: the talent has never disappeared. What matters now is whether Simmons can stay healthy and get back to a place where the game feels right again.
There has already been at least one encouraging sign on that front. Simmons’ godfather recently said that, beyond getting his fitness back, the 30-year-old has been rebuilding his confidence and shooting from the perimeter in practice without worrying about whether the shot goes in. The three-point shot is not expected to be a major part of his offense, but the update still matters.
Simmons’ career numbers still tell the story of a player who, at his best, fills up a box score: 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. That’s why the comeback is drawing attention, even with the obvious caution that comes with it.
And there is caution. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that Simmons is on a non-guaranteed deal. Scotto wrote:
“Update: Ben Simmons has signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal worth up to $3.5 million with the Sacramento Kings, per sources. If he makes the opening night roster, he’ll earn $1 million.
The 30-year-old, three-time All-Star is making an NBA comeback. ESPN was first on an agreement.”
So while Simmons is officially in Sacramento, nothing is locked in yet. He still has to make it through training camp and earn his spot on the opening night roster. For now, the Kings have a fascinating bet on their hands, and Jefferson clearly believes the upside is still there.
In Other News...
Anthony Black Is Forcing A Tough Magic Decision
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The bigger issue is timing, because Black could be headed toward restricted free agency at a moment when Orlando has to decide how much flexibility it can afford to sacrifice. That kind of uncertainty tends to create openings around the league, and Sacramento is one of the teams worth watching if its own roster changes open up room to chase him. For a Kings team looking to stay active in the market, Blacks mix of upside and price uncertainty could make him a name that lingers well beyond Orlando. [Read more 🡒]
Kings May Have An Unexpected Opening To Add Kris Murray
Kris Murray appears headed for free agency after Memphis waived him as the Grizzlies work to trim their roster to 15 players before the season starts. For the Kings, that creates an intriguing possibility: a chance to add a familiar young wing who could slide into a roster looking for more length, more defense and another versatile piece around the edges.
The Sacramento angle is obvious because of Keegan Murray, but the fit goes beyond family ties. Kris Murray has drawn interest for his defensive potential and his ability to do some of the connective work that teams need from the wing spots, which is why his name has surfaced alongside Ben Simmons as a possible help on that end. Whether the Kings actually move on it is still unclear, but if they want another low-usage player who can complement what they already have, this is the kind of opening that tends to get a front offices attention. [Read more 🡒]
Kings Fans May Need Patience With The Domantas Sabonis Situation
Domantas Sabonis has suddenly become a name to watch around Sacramento, not because anything is imminent, but because the Kings are at least being linked to the idea of moving him. He has changed agents to one with a reputation for helping navigate difficult deals, which only adds to the intrigue around a player who has been central to the franchises recent identity and one of the most important pieces on the roster.
Still, fans probably should not expect a quick resolution. Recent talk of a possible Kings-Hornets trade has been denied, and there are no confirmed discussions on the table right now. Even beyond the rumors, Saboniss contract makes this the kind of situation that may take patience and time, with a real move potentially not coming until the 2027-28 season, if it comes at all. [Read more 🡒]