Jerry Reynolds on how Ben Simmons could fit with Sacramento’s offense

Sacramento Kings legend Jerry Reynolds isn’t exactly sold on Ben Simmons, but he believes the potential reward makes the former first-overall pick worth the gamble for the Beam Team.

Reynolds joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to revisit his stance on Simmons, who has emerged as a potential option for Sacramento as the team looks to fill out its roster.

While Reynolds acknowledged there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical, he believes the Kings don’t have much to lose if they can bring Simmons in on the right contract.

“I’m not a big believer either,” Reynolds said. “But I don’t know what the risks are with this particular accumulation of talent that’s currently on the Kings.”

Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets in action during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center on December 04, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

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For Reynolds, the biggest factor is the contract. He believes Sacramento should only pursue Ben Simmons if the team isn’t committing significant money or years to the veteran.

If Simmons is healthy and genuinely interested in playing basketball again, however, Reynolds believes he could provide something the Kings currently lack.

“He could really help this team,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds specifically pointed to the potential impact Simmons could have on Sacramento’s three most important pieces: Darius Acuff Jr., Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray.

Simmons’ size, defensive ability and passing could complement all three players in different ways. Reynolds believes Simmons could help compensate for some of the weaknesses of Sacramento’s young core while providing another versatile defender.

The fit alongside Sabonis is more complicated offensively because neither player is a consistent perimeter shooter.

Reynolds acknowledged that concern but believes the Kings could surround the duo with enough shooting from players such as Acuff, Zach LaVine and Murray to make the pairing workable in certain situations.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after a three-point basket made by teammate Keegan Murray #13 in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center on October 29, 2023 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

“I don’t know that it’d be great for 45 minutes,” Reynolds said. “But I could see how that works.”

The biggest question, however, remains whether Simmons can actually return to being the player he once was.

Reynolds pointed out that Simmons isn’t comparable to former lottery picks such as Markelle Fultz or Killian Hayes, whom Sacramento has previously taken chances on. Simmons actually has a proven NBA resume, including multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA recognition.

“He has done something. You know, I mean, there’s a resume there,” Reynolds said.

That history is ultimately why Reynolds would prefer taking a chance on Simmons over a veteran such as Cameron Payne. Payne might be the more predictable option, but Reynolds believes his upside is limited.

With Simmons, there is at least the possibility of uncovering the player who once looked like one of the NBA’s most unique young stars.

“There are reasons why he’s where he is,” Reynolds said. “But anyway, that’s just my opinion. I think when you’re in the hole, anything you can do to help dig out is worth a try.”

Check out the full conversation at the top of this page or by visiting the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

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

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• 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
• Alex Karaban shows how he can fit into the Kings’ offense
• Young Sacramento Kings building early chemistry at Rico Hines’ open runs
• Jonathan Kuminga’s Agent highlights Sacramento’s upcoming cap space flexibility

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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