Sean Cunningham isn’t buying the Ben Simmons ‘high reward’ hype yet

The Sacramento Kings are hoping Ben Simmons can give their roster something it has been missing: size, playmaking and defensive versatility from the point guard position.

But while the upside is obvious, KCRA 3’s Sean Cunningham isn’t ready to call the move a guaranteed high-reward gamble.

Appearing on Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, Cunningham explained why he believes the Kings made a worthwhile move by signing Simmons, while still urging fans to keep expectations in check.

“I just always trust my eyes when it comes to this,” Cunningham said. “The guy for the better part of a decade has only played 108 games, something like that. It’s just not the most promising.”

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)

More on Kings guard Ben Simmons

The concern is understandable.

Ben Simmons was once one of the NBA’s most unique young players. The former No. 1 overall pick was a three-time All-Star, two-time All-Defensive selection, and All-NBA player during his time with Philadelphia.

At his peak, he could defend multiple positions, rebound at a high level, and function as a primary playmaker despite being 6-foot-10.

For his career, Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game. But injuries have dramatically altered his career trajectory. He missed the entire 2021-22 season and has appeared in just 108 games over the following three seasons.

His most recent NBA season, 2024-25, saw Simmons average just 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 51 games between Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Clippers. He also missed the entire 2025-26 season because of chronic back issues.

That makes the Kings’ decision to sign him for one year and $3.5 million much easier to understand.

“I think the simple answer is they trust their eyes,” Cunningham said. “They trust the potential and the highest upside possible.”

That was apparently true of both Kings president of basketball operations Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie, who had the opportunity to watch Simmons work out in Sacramento.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 13: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on February 13, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Celtics won 118-110. 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)

“If the likes of Doug Christie and Scott Perry look at him and think that there’s something to contribute, that’s great,” Cunningham said.

The Kings aren’t betting on the Ben Simmons who once flirted with All-NBA and All-Defensive honors. They’re betting that enough of that player remains to make a difference.

Cunningham believes the move is worth making. He just isn’t convinced it qualifies as the “high reward” portion of the popular low-risk, high-reward label.

“I think it’s a kick-the-tires move,” Cunningham said, “and a back-end roster spot that could potentially become something else.”

For Sacramento, that’s probably exactly what makes the gamble worth taking.

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

Full episodes of Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Carmichael Dave: Sacramento has nothing to lose by signing Ben Simmons
• Why Ben Simmons believes Sacramento is the right place for his NBA comeback
• Spears: Ben Simmons could be open to long-term stay in Sacramento
• 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

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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