Ben Simmons is back in the NBA, and for the Sacramento Kings, the point isn’t to make this a comeback story. It’s to make it work in one very specific role.
With Simmons officially signed, the Kings’ clearest use for him is as the backup point guard behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr. That is the lane Sacramento brought him in for, and it should stay that way. The team does not need to carve out extra minutes for Simmons at other spots, especially not at the expense of young players who need real run.
Not everybody is thrilled about the signing, and the reasons are obvious. Simmons comes with a long injury history, attitude questions, and the reality that he once completely lost his game. Sacramento at least kept the risk in check by giving him only a one-year contract.
That short-term deal fits the bigger picture. The Kings are not signing Simmons to revive his career.
They brought him in to support Acuff and, ideally, give the rookie some veteran help at the position. Behind Acuff, the only other realistic options at point guard are Malik Monk and Adam Flagler, and both are primarily shooting guards.
That is why ESPN’s projected depth chart feels off. It lists Simmons as the third-string point guard and the third-string small forward, but that doesn’t line up with how Sacramento should handle him. If the Kings are using him correctly, he should be the second-string point guard and essentially buried at every other spot.
The small forward situation makes that especially clear. De'Andre Hunter is the most likely starter there, with Nique Clifford currently next in line.
That setup makes sense. Hunter is not expected to still be in Sacramento after the end of the 2026-2027 season, and Clifford or Alex Karaban is the kind of player who could be ready to step in by then.
That is exactly why Simmons should not be taking developmental minutes from Karaban or anyone else in that pipeline. Putting Simmons ahead of a rookie like Karaban would be a short-sighted move, especially after Scott Perry worked so hard to draft him. The Kings are not going to use their time on Simmons in a way that slows down their young core.
The one-year structure says it all. A longer commitment would only come if a lot goes right, and Sacramento cannot afford to chase that by sacrificing the growth of its rookies and sophomores. For the Kings, the future has to stay the priority.
In Other News...
Kings Passed On A Proven Star And Fans Will Debate Why
The Kings had a chance to take a swing on a proven scorer when the front office considered a trade offer for Trae Young involving Zach LaVine, according to team insider James Ham. It was the kind of decision that can shape a franchise for years, especially for a club trying to find the right blend of star power and financial flexibility in a crowded Western Conference.
Sacramento ultimately passed, with concern over Youngs contract extension demands weighing heavily in the decision. Young later landed with the Washington Wizards and signed a four-year, $212.8 million deal, which only sharpens the debate around whether the Kings were being disciplined or too cautious when the opportunity was there. [Read more 🡒]
Kings Passed On A Major Guard Gamble For A Bigger Plan
The Kings have been sorting through the same broader question that hangs over every team trying to retool on the fly: stay with proven names or keep prioritizing flexibility for the next phase. Sacramento has already explored the possibility of moving former All-Stars Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, a sign that the front office is at least willing to think big while rebuilding around younger pieces. Against that backdrop, the team also had a chance to make an even louder move at guard, only to turn it down.
Trae Youngs name has hovered in the conversation, but the reported hesitation centered on the price of a long-term extension and what that kind of commitment would mean for the roster the Kings are trying to shape. Instead, Sacramento added Darius Acuff Jr. in the draft, and the early Summer League showing has only added intrigue to a path that looks more patient than splashy. The bigger question now is whether the Kings are finally choosing a direction, or simply keeping every door open a little longer. [Read more 🡒]
Kings Linked To Proven Guard As Point Guard Depth Looms
The Kings have already mapped out their backcourt for the moment, with rookie Darius Acuff Jr. penciled in as the starting point guard and Ben Simmons back as the primary reserve. Still, the search for another steady hand makes sense for a team that could use more depth and insurance at the position, especially if Sacramento wants someone who can handle pressure and keep the offense organized when the rotation gets thin.
Sylvain Francisco has emerged as a name worth watching because he brings real EuroLeague credentials, along with a reputation for scoring and disruptive defensive energy. The French guard has won multiple titles and individual honors overseas, and his rsum suggests a player accustomed to high-level responsibility. The question for Sacramento is whether his smaller frame can hold up defensively against NBA backcourts, but the fit as a bench option is easy to see if the Kings decide to keep adding experience behind their young starter. [Read more 🡒]