MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 26: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets walks backcourt during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on December 26, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Nets defeated the Bucks 111-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The NBA world is back to believing in the three-time All-Star, Ben Simmons. The former Los Angeles Lakers star, Dwight Howard, wants the league to know.
Howard, a former Simmons teammate, took to X on Friday night to make a bold statement as Simmons’ second preseason action went viral on social media.
“Ben Simmons going to have the greatest comeback story in nba history!” Howard wrote. Clearly, the ex-center is bought into the hype.
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 23: Ben Simmons #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
This offseason, Simmons inked a one-year, prove-it deal. He doesn’t have guaranteed money and could find himself cut before opening night.
However, all signs are pointing to Simmons not only cracking the Kings’ roster–but starting for them as well.
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 10: Ben Simmons #25 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball over Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of the preseason game at Chase Center on October 10, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Godofredo A. Vásquez/Getty Images)
When the Kings rolled out Simmons for the first time on October 10, he scored seven points and produced one assist in nine minutes against the Golden State Warriors.
On Friday, the Kings played the San Antonio Spurs and rolled out Simmons for 26 minutes. The veteran guard went 5-for-9 from the field to score 14 points. He teased a triple-double by coming down with eight rebounds and dishing out seven assists.
The last time Simmons played was during the 2024-2025 NBA season. He posted averages of 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 33 games with the Brooklyn Nets. When he got to the Los Angeles Clippers, he produced 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
Dwight Howard-Ben Simmons Connection
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 14: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts with Dwight Howard #39 after being fouled by the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at State Farm Arena on June 14, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
During the 2020-2021 NBA season, Simmons and Howard linked on the Philadelphia 76ers. That was the year Howard left, following LA’s last championship run.
Simmons was an All-Star that season, averaging 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, while coming second in the Defensive Player of the Year race.
Howard returned to the Lakers the following season, while Simmons held out for a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA/NFL reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
0 Comments
The NBA world is back to believing in the three-time All-Star, Ben Simmons. The former Los Angeles Lakers star, Dwight Howard, wants the league to know.Howard, a former Simmons teammate, took to X on Friday night to make a bold statement as Simmons’ second preseason action went viral on social media.“Ben Simmons going to have […]
