Ben Simmons might actually be coming back, and NBA teams are paying attention.
Simmons reportedly worked out in Florida this week for teams considering signing him, and the early word is positive. Sacramento radio host Carmichael Dave said Thursday that someone who attended the workout described Simmons as looking “fantastic.” That is a strong review for a guy who did not play at all last season.
Simmons is a fascinating case study. He was the No. 1 overall pick in 2016 out of LSU. He was a three-time All-Star in Philadelphia before the mental block around his shooting became a story bigger than his playing. He was traded to Brooklyn, then to the Clippers, then went unsigned for a full year. His career has had more twists than any other former No. 1 pick this century.
The 2024-25 season with the Clippers was actually reasonable. He averaged 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in a reserve role. Not the star numbers, but useful. He looked physically capable in flashes. The consistency was the problem, and he ultimately became a role player who could not be trusted in playoff rotations.
Then he sat out all of 2025-26. No team wanted to commit to him. His injury history was a real red flag, and teams were understandably skeptical about paying even the minimum for someone who might not be able to stay on the floor. Simmons went a full year without a professional game.
The workout was the reset. If he really looked “fantastic” in front of scouts, teams have a decision to make. He is 30 years old, has significant NBA experience, is 6-foot-10 with an elite defensive floor when healthy, and can play multiple positions. A minimum contract on a contender is exactly what should be on the table.
Reports have connected Simmons to at least a few interested teams. The Kings have been most frequently mentioned as a rumored destination. Sacramento has a need at wing depth and is trying to make the playoffs in a competitive Western Conference. Simmons as a defensive stopper off the bench could be legitimately useful there.
The Kings’ interest makes sense. Simmons could provide the exact kind of positional versatility they lack. He is not the primary offensive option, so the shooting concerns matter less. He is a plus defender when engaged, which fits Sacramento’s approach.
Other teams that could be interested include the Warriors (positional versatility need), the Bucks (rebuilding but could use veterans), and the Mavericks (if the Kyrie situation shifts). Any team willing to bet on a minimum contract has upside if Simmons plays 60 games.
The bigger question is whether Simmons wants to keep playing. He has said publicly he does. The workout confirms he is willing to prove it. The next few weeks will decide whether a team is willing to bet on him one more time.
The comeback is closer than it looked six months ago.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
