Former number one draft pick Ben Simmons returns to the NBA after a one-season absence, joining the Sacramento Kings.

After missing a full season due to recurring back injuries, 30-year-old three-time All-Star Ben Simmons is making his return.

According to inside sources, Simmons has agreed to sign a one-year, $3.5 million minimum-salary contract with the Sacramento Kings, a development first confirmed by ESPN.

As the number one pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Simmons has been plagued by physical injuries and mental health issues during his ten years in the league. He not only missed three full seasons, but also played only 383 regular season games, with an attendance rate of less than half.

Simmons' last appearance was in April 2025 with the Los Angeles Clippers. During his time away from the court, Simmons shifted his focus to deep-sea fishing and invested in a professional fishing team, admitting he needed space to rediscover himself. He only showed signs of a comeback in mid-August this year when he participated in a closed training camp with the Australian men's basketball team.

The Sacramento Kings, currently in a rebuilding phase, had previously set their sights on veterans like Russell Westbrook. After Westbrook retired, they signed Ben Simmons instead. The New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors also expressed interest in him.

In the new season, Simmons is expected to serve as the backup for 7th overall pick point guard Darius Akuf II, providing depth and rotation experience to the backcourt.

For this star player who has always been surrounded by controversy, Sacramento is a new starting point for Simmons to prove his physical condition and competitive value. Whether the training results leaked during the offseason can translate into actual contributions remains to be seen and will be rigorously tested in the regular season.

Image source: Internet/NBA official website