Carmichael Dave: The Kings should sign Ben Simmons

Does Ben Simmons make sense for Sacramento?

The Sacramento Kings still have questions at point guard heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, and one familiar name could potentially provide an intriguing solution.

Carmichael Dave believes the Kings should consider signing Ben Simmons, who is attempting to make his return to the NBA after sitting out the 2025-26 season while recovering from injuries.

According to ESPN’s Marc Spears, Simmons is expected to participate with “zero restrictions” in a player-led Australian men’s national team minicamp in Melbourne.

Simmons is also reportedly open to signing for the veteran minimum, creating a potentially low-risk opportunity for a team willing to take a chance on the former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 14: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers calls out to his teammates against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at State Farm Arena on June 14, 2021 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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For Dave, Sacramento is exactly the type of team that should explore the possibility.

“I have said the Sacramento Kings should sign Ben Simmons, and for years I have been yelled at by many of you,” Dave said, acknowledging the annual tradition surrounding his Simmons-to-Sacramento campaign.

This time, however, Dave believes there could be a legitimate basketball argument for the Kings to pursue Simmons.

“If I told you that there is a free agent out there who just turned 30, who’s willing to sign for a veteran minimum, whose career averages—not his best year—his career averages are 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists,” Dave said. “He averages one and a half steals a game.”

Simmons has been a three-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive First Team selection during his career. At 6-foot-10, he possesses the ball-handling and passing ability to operate as a point guard while also providing significant defensive versatility.

Dave believes that combination could be particularly useful for a Kings team that needs more defensive versatility and another ball-handler alongside Domantas Sabonis and rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr.

“Imagine being able to rotate Keegan Murray, De’Andre Hunter, and Ben Simmons on the wings — and still have Simmons run point in an oversized lineup if you need to.”@CarmichaelDave remains adamant that the Sacramento Kings should sign Ben Simmons:https://t.co/RpabU9NX8M pic.twitter.com/s6vH0Li9oh

— Sactown Sports 1140 (@Sactown1140) August 10, 2026

“The Kings are the exact type of team. They need a guard. They’re going to be not good. He’ll sign for the vet minimum,” Dave said.

The potential fit goes beyond simply filling minutes at point guard. Dave envisioned Simmons being used in oversized lineups alongside Keegan Murray and De’Andre Hunter, while also potentially operating as a point-center.

“Imagine Simmons being on the floor with Acuff and Sabonis,” Dave said. “You got three guys there that you can run the offense through.”

Ultimately, Dave’s argument comes down to the risk involved. If Simmons cannot regain his previous form, Sacramento could simply move on. But if he can return to being a productive defender, rebounder and facilitator, the Kings could potentially acquire a valuable asset for the veteran minimum.

“What is signing Ben Simmons gonna help us miss the playoffs? Who cares?” Dave said. “But what if he comes back and he’s good?”

For a Kings team looking for answers, Ben Simmons could be worth the gamble.

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

• Why Domantas Sabonis could be key to Kings’ new identity
• Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale names Kings’ best trade partners for Zach LaVine
• Would Russell Westbrook be the perfect mentor for Darius Acuff Jr.?
• Why Doug Christie deserves another full season with the Kings
• Why Zach LaVine Could Have Trade Value Next Season

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned into Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Preseason Schedule

• 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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