After missing the entire 2025-26 season, Ben Simmons is now preparing to make his return to the NBA. The Sacramento Kings have reportedly reached an agreement with the three-time All-Star on a one-year, $3.5 million contract.
As Simmons prepares for another opportunity, his former coach and longtime mentor, David Patrick, offered an encouraging assessment, revealing how the veteran guard’s health and renewed confidence could shape his comeback.
Ben Simmons’ Return Comes With Renewed Confidence
Simmons has not appeared in an NBA game since April 2025, when he wrapped up the season with the Los Angeles Clippers after reaching a buyout agreement with the Brooklyn Nets. During the 51 appearances in his last season, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Simmons’ long-time mentor, Patrick, recently expressed his excitement about the veteran guard’s upcoming return.
During an interview with Sactown Sports 1140 FM, the associate head coach at Arizona State University explained that the former Rookie of the Year’s improving fitness played a big role in restoring the confidence and self-belief that had faded during the most difficult stretches of his career.
“I think when you’re in the gym, when you’re putting in shots, that confidence comes back from putting in work… that swagger is back,” Patrick revealed.
Ben Simmons is taking threes again. 👀@CoachDPatrick, Simmons’ godfather and longtime coach, says getting healthy has helped bring back the confidence that disappeared over the last few years.
Now Simmons is taking shots in live action that he wouldn’t even attempt before.… pic.twitter.com/k8s6SZIgVi
— Sactown Sports 1140 (@Sactown1140) September 4, 2026
“He’s just, I think, more bought in to what’s needed and what’s expected, and has a (hunger) which I didn’t see until he was trying to be the number one pick in the draft. And so that’s a guy you’re getting, a hungry kid that’s got a ton of talent that’s got a lot of years to get.”
Lingering back injuries have affected Simmons’ career since he entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft with the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, now Simmons has another opportunity to revive his NBA career. While speaking with Men’s Health Magazine about the possibility of a comeback, Simmons had identified the 76ers and Miami Heat as his potential landing spots.
Ultimately, the Kings emerged as his destination, giving the veteran guard another chance to prove that he can still contribute at the top level.
At his peak, Simmons established himself as one of the league’s most versatile two-way players. After earning Rookie of the Year honors, Simmons went on to become a three-time All-Star and an All-NBA selection during his tenure with Philadelphia.
