Ben Simmons trending toward a starting spot with the Kings
From questions about his future to a possible starting role: Ben Simmons is back, and the Kings already seem ready to trust him
Ben Simmons could go straight into the Sacramento Kings’ starting lineup. After spending an entire season away from the NBA, the Australian returned to the court in Preseason and already seems to have convinced Sacramento to give him a significant opportunity.
According to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Simmons is expected to start alongside rookie Darius Acuff in the first Regular Season game, scheduled for October 21 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Not bad for a player who joined the Kings on a non-guaranteed minimum contract, without even being certain of making the roster. Sacramento asked him to earn his spot during training camp and, at least for now, things seem to be heading in the right direction.
Just consider that the last time he played more than 51 games in a season was back in 2020/21, when he appeared in 58 games with Philadelphia. This year, Simmons even wants to play all 82.
It is an ambitious goal considering everything he has been through over the last few years. But if he can finally stay healthy and find some consistency, Sacramento may have made an intriguing bet.