Ben Simmons Returns
Simmons last played for the Clippers in 2025, appearing in 18 regular season games with 2.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 3.1 APG. It looked much better per 36 minutes, however, with averages of 6.3 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 6.8 APG with 1.6 SPG. He’s still capable of producing strong per-minute numbers across the board, but it’s unlikely he’s ever going to reach the playing time to realize that sort of upside. His percentages are also destitute, shooting just 43.3% from the field. He somehow managed an 87.5% from the line, but with just seven attempts in 18 games, it’s safe to say that’s not trustworthy in the slightest.
Simmons even got roped into some playoff minutes, producing a measly 0.8 PPG, 1.4 RPG, and 0.8 APG in five games and 8.4 minutes of playtime across five games.
It’s a fall from grace, that’s for sure, but it’s not news to anybody who’s been following the NBA for a meaningful stretch.
Fantasy Outlook for Ben Simmons
To keep it short and sweet, no, there’s not much here. Simmons has finished outside the Top-125 in the his last three seasons, at 136, 165, and 250. In standard 9-cat leagues, he’s too much of a detriment in multiple categories (FG%, FT%, points, and threes) to warrant a roster spot. In points leagues, his last three finishes were 122, 123, and 207.
The Kings’ depth chart also has little room for Simmons. Newly drafted rookie Darius Acuff Jr. figures to handle the starting point guard role for this team after getting drafted as the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Acuff put up 23.5 PPG and 6.4 APG at Arkansas and should be the Kings’ priority moving forward. Simmons will likely see a third or fourth string role behind him for a sub-15 minute role. If he’s going to be fantasy relevant at all this season, it’ll likely be as a streamer or an injury replacement. It looks pretty safe to fade him.
