Ben Simmons aims to “dominate” with the Sacramento Kings after the break, speaks on his NBA return

Ben Simmons returned to the spotlight after signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, following an entire season away from the NBA. In his media appearance, he said he aims to “dominate” every time he steps on the court and emphasized he has worked intensively to get back in shape: “I’m where I need to be. I’ve taken a lot of time to focus on my body,” he declared.

As Bleacher Report reports, Simmons was the first pick in the 2016 draft, Rookie of the Year winner and a three-time All-Star during his first four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team in the 2019-20 season and was part of the All-Defensive First Team in two consecutive seasons, but then suffered injuries that affected his career. In the seasons after the injury he played limited minutes and failed to shine offensively, never averaging above 6.9 points over a long period. Still, according to reports, during workouts with the Kings he impressed coach Doug Christie, general manager Scott Perry and other team members, prompting his signing as a player who can cover all five positions and support new point guard Darius Acuff Jr.

Simmons is not expected to be the team’s focal point as he was in his Philadelphia days, and handling him in more limited roles could lower the pressure and favor the return of his on-court performance. According to Bleacher Report, this approach could give him room to bring back the strongest elements of his game without the pressure of a leadership role.