Simmons or Hunter: Who should start for the Kings?

Ben Simmons gave the Sacramento Kings a glimpse of what he could bring in his preseason debut. De’Andre Hunter, meanwhile, is trying to find his footing after a difficult start to the exhibition schedule.

With Sacramento weighing its options at power forward, the question is whether Simmons is ready to start—or whether Hunter should get the chance to settle into the role.

Sactown Sports’ Matt George recently said Simmons could play his way into the starting four spot if Sacramento’s spacing holds up.

Simmons started against Golden State after sitting out the Kings’ first two preseason games, scoring seven points in nine minutes.

George said Simmons looked comfortable and could fit alongside forward Keegan Murray in the front court–but KCRA 3’s Sean Cunningham would take a more measured approach.

Simmons is still working his way back after a long stretch away from the game, and Cunningham said he’d rather see the Kings ramp him up carefully before handing him a starting role.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Ben Simmons #25 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a picture during the Kings Media Day at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 28, 2026 in Sacramento, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Should the Kings start Ben Simmons or De’Andre Hunter?

“If Ben Simmons is looking like Ben Simmons of old, then he won’t have any problem adapting to coming off the bench,” Cunningham said on Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross.

Cunningham would also give Hunter an opportunity to get right. Hunter has struggled in the preseason, and Cunningham said the game tape hasn’t been kind.

But Hunter is coming off an extended absence after missing the second half of last season with an eye injury, and the Kings appear to believe he can contribute once he’s back in rhythm.

There’s also a longer-term consideration: Hunter is entering the final season of his contract (worth $24 million this season) and will become a free agent next summer.

A clearer read on his role could matter for both the rotation and Sacramento’s roster evaluation, especially with the upcoming trade deadline.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: De’Andre Hunter #15 of the Sacramento Kings walks off the court after an injury against the Los Angeles Clippers in the third quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 06, 2026 in Sacramento, 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 Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Cunningham noted that Simmons’ arrival could give the Kings a more dynamic player, particularly as a rebounder, playmaker, and defender.

But the sample remains small. Sacramento has seen only a brief stretch of Simmons in a game, while Hunter is still trying to shake off a slow preseason, averaging 3.3 points on 21 percent shooting from the field and missing all six of his attempts from deep over three appearances so far.

If Ben Simmons is ready, his size and playmaking could give the starting group a different look. If not, Hunter may be the safer choice while Simmons builds up his minutes.

The Kings have limited time before the regular season begins, and their final preseason game may offer another chance to see how the two forwards fit.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• George: Sacramento’s preseason injury situation is confusing
• Turner: Sacramento Kings need to find a role for Emanuel Sharp
• Could Ben Simmons play his way into a starting spot?
• Jerry Reynolds: Darius Acuff should be a big part of the offense, not all of it

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Wednesday, October 21st @ Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 23rd vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, October 25th vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)

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

Related

Cunningham: Why the Kings are taking a cautious approach to preseasonUC Davis turns BYE week focus to consistency, Southern UtahGeorge: Sacramento’s preseason injury situation is confusing49ers LB Dre Greenlaw’s appeal denied, will miss game vs. CommandersKings rest majority of rotation during preseason loss to BlazersBonta Hill: Brock Purdy is good enough to win a Super Bowl