SACRAMENTO — Reports that Ben Simmons is once again looking like his old Sixers self have generated cautious optimism throughout Sacramento, along with one immediate follow-up question from Kings fans: “Which one?”
ESPN’s Marc Spears said he’s heard Simmons has had an outstanding training camp and wouldn’t be surprised if he eventually works his way into Sacramento’s starting lineup.
More importantly, Spears said Simmons “looks like he’s playing with the Sixers again,” forcing Kings officials to spend Tuesday clarifying that they were specifically referring to the athletic, All-Star, transition-dominating version.
“Just to be completely clear, we mean the good one,” a team source said. “The 16 points, eight rebounds, eight assists one. Not the other Sixers version everyone immediately thought of.”
Sacramento reportedly became concerned after several fans began asking whether Simmons had also started passing out of open layups during practice.
Coaches insist the early signs have been encouraging. Simmons has reportedly defended multiple positions, pushed the ball in transition and shown the kind of versatility that once made him one of the league’s most intriguing young players.
The Kings are nevertheless taking things slowly, presumably because the phrase “Ben Simmons comeback” has now entered its seventh consecutive season of eligibility.
Team officials said Simmons could eventually earn a starting role if his strong camp continues.
At press time, Sacramento fans were excited but had agreed not to use the phrase “he’s back” until somebody physically watches him attempt a fourth-quarter free throw.
