Kings GM Scott Perry details Ben Simmons signing, Sacramento’s new team identity

The Sacramento Kings enter the 2026-27 NBA season with a revamped roster, a clear emphasis on youth and versatility, and perhaps their most intriguing addition in Ben Simmons.

Kings general manager Scott Perry spoke with the media Monday about Sacramento’s offseason, explaining that the organization is trying to establish a new identity while continuing its rebuild.

“We wanted to get a little younger, we wanted to add more versatility, more length, and increase our defensive potential,” Perry said.

Sacramento addressed those priorities through the draft, selecting Darius Acuff Jr., Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp, while also retaining Precious Achiuwa.

Ben Simmons #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Intuit Dome on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

More on the Kings & Ben Simmons

The Kings then added Ben Simmons late in the summer, giving the roster another experienced player who can defend, facilitate and play multiple positions.

Perry said Simmons’ return to the NBA was a major factor in the Kings’ decision to bring him aboard. After watching Simmons work out in Miami, Perry spoke with him about his desire to return to basketball.

“He just told me, ‘Hey, I want to come back and compete. I miss playing basketball,’” Perry said. “That resonated with me, and so we wanted to give him this opportunity.”

Perry emphasized that Simmons still has to prove he can withstand the demands of an NBA season, particularly after injuries limited him in recent years.

“He’s just starting,” Perry said. “Now he’s got to go through a training camp. He’s got to get on and off planes, and see how his body is responding.”

Beyond Ben Simmons, Perry repeatedly pointed to the Kings’ overall depth as a significant part of the team’s plans. Sacramento wants to become a tougher defensive team that plays faster, shares the ball and can utilize its depth over an 82-game season.

Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets walks backcourt during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on December 26, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

“I think depth is an extremely important part of it,” Perry said. “It’s been something I’ve talked about at nauseam really since coming into the league because we know it’s a long season.”

Health will also be critical. Perry noted that Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray and De’Andre Hunter are all healthy entering training camp after injuries impacted the Kings last season.

The organization is also placing significant emphasis on Acuff’s development. Perry acknowledged that the 19-year-old rookie will experience growing pains, particularly at point guard, but said Sacramento will provide mentorship and support.

“We have a lot of mentorship in the building,” Perry said. “We’ll be having external mentorship for him.”

For Perry, the immediate goal is straightforward: establish consistency and make the Kings a team opponents know will compete every night.

“We want to improve, want to get better,” Perry said. “We’re in the business of winning.”

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Sacramento Kings release 2026-27 training camp roster
• Do the Sacramento Kings face brutal reality ahead of 2026-27 season?
• Scott Perry on Ben Simmons, Darius Acuff and Kings’ Direction
• 5 Reasons Kings Fans Can Be Optimistic This Season
• Is Jalen Duren Truly Worth $200 Million?

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)

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on X/Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Sacramento Kings release 2026-27 training camp rosterDo the Sacramento Kings face brutal reality ahead of 2026-27 season?Report: 49ers WR Mike Evans has rib strain, will be evaluated Monday49ers Improve to 3-0, Suffer More Injuries In The ProcessScott Perry on Ben Simmons, Darius Acuff and Kings’ Direction5 Reasons Kings Fans Can Be Optimistic This Season