Christie explains sitting Simmons, cites long-term workload plan

Kings coach Doug Christie said Ben Simmons was held out against Portland as part of a deliberate plan to manage his workload, not because of a setback.

Christie said the goal is to have Simmons ready for all 82 regular-season games rather than push him in preseason. Simmons signed a one-year, non-guaranteed $3.5 million deal with Sacramento and is reportedly expected to start on opening night against the Clippers.

$3.5M · 1yr

Ben Simmons

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Simmons set to start for Kings as Cardwell, Monk nurse soreness

Ben Simmons is expected to start when Sacramento opens its season October 21, according to Andscape's Marc J. Spears. He signed with the Kings on September 7 and has drawn praise in camp after sitting out a year and a half.

Heavy ↗· 12 Oct 2026· updated 1d ago

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Simmons locked in as Kings starter for season opener vs Clippers

Ben Simmons is set to start for Sacramento in the Oct. 21 opener against the Clippers, his former club, alongside rookie Darius Acuff, according to Andscape's Marc J. Spears.

Fadeaway World ↗· 7 Sept 2026

Free agency · SAC

Done deal

Heat passed on Simmons, chose Kings over win-now doubts

Ben Simmons had interest in Miami before agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with Sacramento. Sun Sentinel writer Ira Winderman reports the Heat turned him down because he's no longer a proven win-now contributor, preferring to develop players like Tre Donaldson instead.