Ben Simmons has ‘no limitations’ entering Kings Training Camp

Ben Simmons is ready to prove he still has plenty left in the tank.

After spending the last year away from basketball to focus entirely on his body and mental well-being, the Sacramento Kings’ newest addition believes he is finally back where he needs to be physically and mentally.

“I’m right where I need to be,” Simmons said Monday. “I took a lot of time to focus on my body over the season, and I think it was the best thing I’ve done and decision I’ve made for my career.”

Simmons was emphatic when asked about his physical condition entering Kings training camp.

“I feel great, and I’m ready to go. No limitations, so ready to go.”

Ben Simmons is back. pic.twitter.com/ra3vsJG1gr

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) September 28, 2026

More on Kings G/F Ben Simmons

The former three-time All-Star has dealt with significant injuries in recent seasons, including back and knee issues that limited him to 15 games during the 2024-25 season. Rather than keep trying to play through them, Simmons said he decided to step away completely.

“I didn’t touch a ball for the whole year. I didn’t watch basketball. I just focused on getting my body right and my mind right,” Simmons said. “I knew at the time when I was ready to go, it would click, and that’s what happened.”

Simmons pushed back against the idea that his absence stemmed from a lack of love for basketball.

“I love this game,” Simmons said. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I’m at.”

Now, Simmons is joining a Sacramento team that he believes has something to prove. He acknowledged that outside expectations for the Kings are low, but he sees that as motivation rather than pressure.

“There’s no pressure,” Simmons said. “They don’t expect anything from us. So I think for us to go out there and show that we’re capable of winning games and having a good team, I think that’s doable.”

Ben Simmons also sees similarities between his own journey and that of 19-year-old rookie Darius Acuff Jr., who was selected seventh overall by Sacramento.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 15: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento King poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Simmons said he plans to offer Acuff plenty of advice throughout the season, particularly about handling the highs and lows of an NBA career.

“Stay even,” Simmons said. “Don’t let the highs get too high and the lows get too low.”

As for his own goals, Simmons offered perhaps the clearest statement of his mindset entering the season.

“To dominate every time I step on the floor,” Simmons said. “To dominate.”

Simmons also said he believes he is getting back to the player he once was.

“I feel like I’m there,” he said. “For me right now, I feel like I’m getting there, and I feel great physically.”

After betting on himself by stepping away from the game, Simmons now has his chance to show the Kings — and the rest of the NBA — that he can still contribute.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Doug Christie sets Kings’ defensive standard ahead of 2026-27 NBA season
• Kings GM Scott Perry details Ben Simmons signing, Sacramento’s new team identity
• 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

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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