Ben Simmons Gives the Kings a New Level of Lineup Flexibility

The Sacramento Kings are giving Ben Simmons a second chance to jump-start his career by signing him to a one-year contract after he was the number one overall draft pick in 2016. Simmons missed the 2025-26 season due to injuries. However, he hopes to return and become the star he was early in his career. The Kings focus on Simmons as an experienced player they can use. His talent can be used in various ways, allowing the team to switch lineups and strategies during games.

Ben Simmons Gives the Kings a New Level of Lineup Flexibility

Standing 6-foot-10, Simmons has always been a unique player because he can play guard and defend multiple positions. He has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals in his career, along with being a three-time All-Star and earning two All-Defensive selections. His playmaking is one of his biggest strengths, especially in fast breaks, when he pushes the pace after a rebound.

On the other hand, it is hard to ignore Simmons' offensive deficiencies. He has not developed as a three-point shooter throughout his career. This makes it easy for defenders to leave him unguarded as they close down his teammates' driving lanes. He has also lost much of the scoring punch he had in his All-Star years, and injuries have sidelined him for significant stretches throughout his career. After missing the entire 2025-26 season, health will be a major concern for the organization as it navigates his time with the Kings.

Simmons could play many roles on the Kings' current roster, including alongside guards like Zach LaVine , Malik Monk , and rookie Darius Acuff Jr. , which gives the team plenty of players who can score on their own . This means Simmons will not have to be the primary scorer ; instead, he can use his passing to push the ball in transition and his size to create mismatches. Simmons can run ball screens with Acuff and make plays in the pocket toward the rim, or spray the ball to shooters. He can also be an extra ball-handler for the Kings and help them move away from depending on a single player to initiate every possession.

However, his defensive versatility might be even more valuable. Simmons can defend opposing point guards and switch to bigger players, giving the Kings a new option to handle different offensive styles. It would let him play alongside smaller guards and add size without taking the ball away from them. Finally, the Kings could use him alongside Sacramento's frontcourt players, including Domantas Sabonis , to build taller lineups.

In the end, Simmons does not need to recreate his All-Star form to contribute to the Kings. If he stays healthy, his passing, rebounding, defense, and fast-break ability could benefit Sacramento in different combinations. The team can call upon him as a reserve point guard, a point forward, or a defensive specialist depending on the needs of a specific lineup . Simmons' ability to influence the game without the ball could make him useful alongside other offensive players Sacramento already has.

Of course, the move raises concerns, especially about Simmons' shooting and injury history. However, Sacramento hasn't had this much versatility on its roster, and Simmons adds to the mix. If he remains healthy and takes the role of a complementary piece, Simmons can bring more options in terms of experimenting with the rotation and matchups. It is even more significant that Sacramento can use Simmons to show that he can still be an all-around player in the league.

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