Ben Simmons Claps Back At Patrick Beverley After Landing Kings Deal

Ben Simmons is getting another chance to prove he can still help an NBA team. The Sacramento Kings gave him a one-year deal after watching him work out and go through medical testing, creating a low-commitment chance for the former All-Star to restart his career.

The timing also fits Sacramento's roster needs. The Kings drafted Darius Acuff Jr. seventh overall this summer, so adding an experienced passer gives coach Doug Christie another option while the rookie adjusts to the NBA game.

Ben Simmons Has A Chance To Bring Back His Best Traits

Sacramento is not asking Ben Simmons to become the player who once made three All-Star teams. His value now is more specific, with his passing and size giving the Kings another way to move the ball and defend across the lineup.

Simmons last played 51 games during the 2024-25 season with Brooklyn and the Clippers. He averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds before spending all of the following season outside the NBA.

The Kings still went through a full evaluation before signing him. Simmons completed medical exams, an on-court workout and meetings with Christie and team staff before the agreement became official.

That process matters because Sacramento did not simply hand Simmons a roster spot based on his old reputation. The team had a chance to see where he is physically and what he can offer now.

Patrick Beverley Questioned Why Simmons Got Another Shot

That opportunity drew the attention of Patrick Beverley , who questioned why Simmons had another NBA job while players such as Victor Oladipo , Gabe Vincent and Cam Thomas remained outside the league.

Simmons took the criticism personally and answered Beverley on Instagram .

I played two years not physically right. This ain't no hand out. I worked my ass off to be in this position…. And I'm very grateful to even be in position to play the game I f—king love!"

Simmons also pushed back at the idea that outside observers understand what went into his absence. "Yall will continue to make up stories for your own benefits," he wrote.

That response puts the focus back on the part of Simmons' comeback that fans cannot easily see. He says the last two years were not about choosing to leave basketball behind, but about trying to get his body right and earn another opportunity. The Kings have now given him one.

Ben Simmons Has Less To Prove Than He Used To

Ben Simmons was once expected to become one of the league's best two-way guards after Philadelphia selected him No. 1 overall in 2016. He won Rookie of the Year, made three All-Star teams and earned All-NBA honors before injuries changed the direction of his career.

Sacramento does not need that entire version to return. It needs a healthy veteran who can organize an offense, defend multiple positions and help a young roster survive difficult stretches.

That makes the one-year contract a useful test for both sides. Simmons gets another NBA stage, while the Kings get a close look at a player with skills they believe can still translate.

Beverley questioned why Simmons was the one who got that chance. Simmons has answered him in the only way that ultimately settles the argument.

Now he has to make the opportunity count.