Kings legend makes bold prediction about Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback with Sacramento

Matthew NeschisThu, October 15, 2026 at 6:21 PM UTC

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Ben Simmons signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings in September -Credit:Getty Images (Getty Images)Kings legend Chris Webber is expecting big things from Ben Simmons after the 30-year-old signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Sacramento last month

Kings legend Chris Webber believes the sky is the limit for Ben Simmons as the 30-year-old launches his NBA comeback in Sacramento.

After sitting out the entirety of the 2025-26 NBA season to heal his body and mind, Simmons proved he still has plenty left in the tank at an Australian national team minicamp in Melbourne over the summer. News of his strong performance eventually made its way to Kings general manager Scott Perry, who promptly scheduled a trip to watch the three-time NBA All-Star work out in Miami.

An ensuing training session in front of Kings head coach Doug Christie and his staff in Sacramento sealed the deal for Simmons. On Sept. 4, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft inked a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Sacramento — one year, four months and six days since his last NBA game.

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Despite the lengthy hiatus from the court, Webber believes Simmons will achieve immense success with his longtime team. The Hall of Famer propelled the Kings to multiple playoff appearances from 1998 to 2005, including three consecutive Pacific Division titles and a trip to the 2002 Western Conference Finals.

“I think the Kings can get the best out of Ben Simmons,” Webber told Mirror U.S. Sports at the 41st Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner. “I think Ben has already prepared himself for this comeback.

“He knows what he's up against. He has earplugs in his ears, and he has blinders on, so he's not going to pay attention to the noise. I personally am excited because I love the comeback moments, so I'm just a fan of his. I'm on the bandwagon, and I'm rooting him on.”

Simmons is expected to receive the starting nod for the Kings’ regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 21, joining rookie guard Darius Acuff and fellow veteran Zach LaVine.

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Webber believes the Kings can 'get the best' out of Simmons -Credit:Getty Images

“He can give veteran leadership to guards like Acuff. He's still one of the best defenders in this league,” Webber added of Simmons. “I wouldn't be surprised if he got Comeback Player of the Year, and he made all the players on the Kings better.”

Unfortunately for Simmons, the NBA Comeback Player of the Year award was discontinued after the 1985-86 season and essentially replaced by the Most Improved Player award, which is typically given to a breakout star rather than a grizzled vet.

While Simmons may no longer be wide-eyed or burdened by sky-high expectations, Webber believes his past hardships will help fuel not only his resurgence but also the Kings’ return to dominance.

“I think when you look at the individual stories, it starts with perseverance,” Webber explained. “Ben Simmons is incredible, and he's going to do some incredible things, and it's going to be fun to watch his resurgence.

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“Zach LaVine coming off injuries and being the player that he is, that's inspiring. And then young Acuff, coming from 7-mile, East Side of Detroit. I know where he's from, what he's been through, and this is a dream for him and his family. So it's going to be fun watching him embrace that energy because he has it.

“Those different stories come together collectively, because you usually bond through those instances, and I think they'll bond because of what they've all gone through.

"And that's going to help them prepare to go up against some teams and hoop.”

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Source: “AOL Sports”