Ben Simmons signs one-year deal with Sacramento Kings after fishing hiatus
Former No. 1 draft pick Ben Simmons returned to the NBA, agreeing to a $3.5 million, one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings.
After a season-long break to pursue a stake in the South Florida Sails Angling Club, Ben Simmons re-entered the NBA by signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft had a brief stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, appearing in 18 games and posting modest averages of three points, four rebounds and three assists. The Kings, who finished 22-60 last season, added Simmons to provide veteran depth alongside their recent No. 7 draft selection, Darius Acuff Jr. Simmons expressed enthusiasm for his fishing venture, describing it as a niche sport that he enjoys.
He hopes the time away will help him overcome the shooting issues that have limited his NBA effectiveness. The signing gives the Kings a familiar name as they continue rebuilding.
Why it matters
Simmons' return adds experience to a struggling Kings roster and highlights a rare athlete crossover into professional sport fishing.
In this story
