NBA Players React To Ben Simmons Signing With Kings

The Drive Guys discussed Richard Jefferson, Draymond Green and Patrick Beverley reactions after Ben Simmons returned to the NBA.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sep 11, 2026, 8:57 AM Updated: 9:00 am

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by Brook Lopez #...

Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Barclays Center on December 08, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

After one year away from the league, Ben Simmons is back in the NBA. Since signing a deal with the Sacramento Kings, the re-addition of the former No. 1 overall pick is getting plenty of reaction around the league.

The Drive Guys discussed some of that reaction on Sactown Sports, with Richard Jefferson, Draymond Green, and Patrick Beverley all weighing in on Simmons getting another opportunity in Sacramento.

Jefferson’s comments were the most optimistic, pointing to the skillset and build that once made Simmons one of the NBA’s more unique talents. While appearing on a podcast in Australia, Jefferson highlighted the importance of off-court aspects for Simmons.

“Basketball, just like many other sports, as much as it is physical, it is mental,” Jefferson said. “Ben’s always had the talent. Ben has the talent to be an All-Star this year.”

Given that Simmons hasn’t played in over a year and has dealt with injuries and confidence questions, it’s hard to imagine that outcome, but anything is possible. But Jefferson was more so emphasizing his talent rather than predicting a return to that form

“If Ben goes and has his best season, he’s healthy, his back is right, he has the talent to be an All-Defensive player, to be a Defensive Player of the Year level talent because he can guard one through five positions,” Jefferson said.

The Drive Guys, Kevin “Whitey” Gleason and Jay Johnson, were skeptical of that outcome but understood his point given Simmons 6’10” point guard abilities. If he is healthy and engaged, he brings size, defensive versatility, and playmaking to a Sacramento roster that needed another ball-handler behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green also saw a possible benefit for Sacramento specifically relating to Acuff. On The Draymond Green Show, Green said he believes Acuff could benefit from playing with Simmons, which is one of the more interesting parts of the signing for the Kings.

“This will take some of the pressure off Darius Acuff. If Ben Simmons isn’t playing well, people are going to want to point to Ben Simmons and say, ‘Hey, he’s not playing well,’ and if he is playing well, people are going to point to Ben Simmons and say, ‘Yo, look, he’s back.’ And so, I think this ultimately takes a lot of pressure off Darius Auff going into a Sacramento Kings situation that is not as great as one would like.”

Draymond Green, The Draymond Green Podcast

Former NBA player Patrick Beverley had the harshest comments, calling Simmons a quitter and questioning why he should get another NBA opportunity after stepping away from the game. Beverley’s point was that other players, like Victor Oladipo, have been working to get back into the league and still haven’t received the same chance.

Jefferson still seems intrigued by Simmons’s talent. Green thinks Acuff could benefit. Beverley believes the opportunity is unfair to other players trying to get back into the league. Clearly, Simmons is a polarizing player around the league, and it’ll be intriguing to see what form he returns to in Sacramento.

Kings general manager Scott Perry didn’t bring Simmons in to be an All-Star or Defensive Player of the Year candidate. They just need him to fill the backup point guard vacancy behind Acuff and ideally provide some defensive versatility and lineup optionality for head coach Doug Chrisite.