Former Top Pick Simmons Gets Another Shot with Sacramento
Australian guard Ben Simmons has signed a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings after missing the entire previous season due to injuries. The deal is worth $3.5 million and marks his fourth NBA team. Simmons hopes to rebuild his career and potentially earn a spot on the Boomers for the 2028 Olympics.
Simmons' career has been marked by significant injury setbacks since his standout rookie season. He sat out the entire 2025-26 campaign to recover from back and leg issues, and his last NBA appearance was with the Clippers in April 2025. His new contract with Sacramento represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for both player and franchise.
The Kings struggled last season with a 22-60 record, finishing near the bottom of the Western Conference. Simmons' signing also serves a national purpose, as he aims to secure a spot on the Australian Boomers roster for the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, having recently participated in a team mini-camp.
This signing could provide a valuable second chance for Simmons to prove his durability and skill, potentially influencing his legacy and his national team's prospects. For the Sacramento Kings, adding a former All-Star on a modest deal may boost ticket sales and on-court playmaking, though his injury history poses a risk. His performance could also impact Australian basketball's international competitiveness, as a healthy Simmons may strengthen the Boomers' medal chances in upcoming tournaments.