Jerry Reynolds: Ben Simmons could be worth the risk for Kings

The Sacramento Kings appear to be exploring another veteran option for their backup point guard spot, and Kings legend Jerry Reynolds believes Ben Simmons could be worth taking a chance on, provided Sacramento can keep the financial commitment minimal.

Simmons has reportedly impressed during workouts, but Reynolds remains understandably skeptical given how dramatically the former first-overall pick’s career has changed in recent years.

“Well, did he work out against air?” Reynolds joked when discussing reports that Simmons looked good in workouts during an interview with Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys.

Still, Reynolds sees a potentially valuable player if Simmons can regain some of the form that made him a three-time All-Star and one of the NBA’s premier defenders.

“If he’s healthy, and, you know, if it looks like he actually wants to play basketball again,” Reynolds said, “and looks like he could be ready to go and play at somewhere near the level he did prior to the last two or three years in the league,” there could be significant upside.

Ben Simmons #25 of the LA Clippers walks backcourt during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 20, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

More on Ben Simmons

At his peak in Philadelphia, Ben Simmons was an unusual point guard who could impact the game without being a prolific scorer.

In 2020-21, his final All-Star season, he averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.6 steals while earning All-Defensive First Team honors and finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

That version of Simmons is exactly what Reynolds believes Sacramento could use.

“He’s a multi-position guy, and, you know, been an All-Star,” Reynolds said. “Obviously, he’s never going to score a lot, but you know, this is a team that could use a guy who can really guard people, which he could do in his prime, and a terrific assist guy.”

Simmons’ recent production has been considerably more modest. He averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 51 games during the 2024-25 season, splitting time between Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Clippers.

That makes the contract structure particularly important for Sacramento. Reynolds believes the Kings should avoid guaranteeing significant money while giving themselves the opportunity to benefit if Simmons proves he can still contribute.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 23: Ben Simmons #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

“The right price, in my mind, would be almost no guaranteed money,” Reynolds said.

There could also be a larger strategic benefit. If Simmons plays well, Reynolds believes Sacramento could potentially turn him into another asset before the trade deadline.

“If he plays well, he’s going to be an asset,” Reynolds said. “So, yeah, that might be the best reason to do it.”

For a Kings team trying to accumulate talent and future trade flexibility, Ben Simmons represents a low-cost gamble with potentially meaningful upside, assuming Sacramento can get something close to the player he once was.

Check out the full conversation at the top of this page or by visiting the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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