Ben Simmons returns to NBA: $3.5M deal with Sacramento Kings – Last chance or no-risk gamble?
I used to think xG was nonsense, until it explained why we lost. But with Ben...
I used to think xG was nonsense, until it explained why we lost. But with Ben Simmons, I don't need xG to see that a former All-Star is facing the final crossroads of his career. On September 4, 2026, the Sacramento Kings officially signed Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million deal – a veteran minimum contract, yet carrying far more media weight than its actual value.
Data is just a map; the game is a storm. And Simmons' map from the 2026-25 season shows a grim picture: 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, 4.7 rebounds in 22 minutes per game over 51 contests. These numbers are far from his All-NBA peak in 2026 (15.9 points, 7.8 assists). He sat out the entire 2026-26 season due to a back injury – a long layoff that raises major questions about conditioning and feel for the game.
Tactical Context: A defensive piece for Doug Christie's system
The Kings are in a