Why Ben Simmons believes Sacramento is the right place for his NBA comeback

Ben Simmons is getting another chance to rewrite the story of his NBA career, and few people believe in that possibility more than the man who has known him since birth.

David Patrick, Simmons’ godfather and former coach at LSU and with the Australian national team, joined Sactown Sports’ Matt George to discuss the 30-year-old’s return to the NBA and why he believes Sacramento could be the perfect landing spot.

Patrick has seen Simmons at his highest and lowest. The former first-overall pick became a three-time All-Star with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists during his four seasons with the franchise.

But injuries, particularly his back, derailed his career.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 23: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets picks up a loose ball during the first quarter of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on October 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Ben Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 season and played only 57 games over the next two seasons before appearing in 51 games in 2024-25. He averaged just 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists that year with the Clippers and Nets.

Patrick believes there is reason to think a healthier Simmons could look different.

“I felt he was back to where he was athletically and mentally from his times at Philly when he was a three-time All-Star,” Patrick said.

The biggest difference, according to Patrick, may be Simmons’ confidence.

“For me, over the last probably three months, that swagger, that confidence that he once had, was back,” Patrick said.

Patrick also believes the time away from the NBA has helped Simmons physically and mentally. After roughly a year and a half away from the game, Patrick said Simmons looks “as good as I’ve seen him” and believes the time away has given him a “new lease in life.”

That could make the Kings’ one-year, $3.5 million investment particularly intriguing.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center on December 04, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 99-90. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Patrick believes Simmons can fill several needs for Sacramento. At 6-foot-10, his ability to defend multiple positions and facilitate makes him a potentially unique complement to rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. and Domantas Sabonis.

“He can plug some holes for any team, especially the Kings,” Patrick said.

Perhaps most importantly, Patrick revealed what Doug Christie told Simmons during the process that helped convince him to choose Sacramento.

Christie wanted Simmons to “come in and be himself” rather than simply accepting a backup role. Patrick said that message gave Simmons the “fortitude to want to be there.”

For a player trying to resurrect his career, that belief could be just as important as anything Simmons does on the court.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ Sactown Sports’ Matt George with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Spears: Ben Simmons could be open to long-term stay in Sacramento
• Jerry Reynolds on how Ben Simmons could fit with Sacramento’s offense
• NBA insiders connect Jalen Duren’s future to Domantas Sabonis’ Kings uncertainty
• Why the Kings’ future isn’t as bleak as Bleacher Report’s ranking suggests
• Young Sacramento Kings building early chemistry at Rico Hines’ open runs

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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