By Reporter Du Yijun / Comprehensive Report

　　Well, guess who's back? "That guy" has finally returned. After a full season of silence, the former No. 1 pick and three-time All-Star Ben Simmons is officially stepping back onto an NBA court. According to Shams Charania and Marc J. Spears of ESPN, the 30-year-old has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings. That's about 110 million New Taiwan Dollars, if you're counting. The versatile playmaker will start his 10th season in the league, this time in northern California, hoping to revive a career that once looked destined for greatness.

　　The 2016 draft's top selection, Simmons was once the league's ultimate Swiss Army knife. Career averages: 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals. He's also a two-time All-Defensive First Team member. But let's be honest—that feels like a lifetime ago.

　　In recent years, back injuries and mental health struggles have derailed him. His numbers plummeted: during the 2024-25 season with Brooklyn and the Clippers, he averaged just 5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. With the Clippers, that dropped to a measly 2.9 points. Come playoff time, he was basically benched. And that's why no team touched him for the entire 2025-26 season—he sat out the whole year.

　　To make his way back, Simmons has been busy. Word is, he flew to Sacramento this Monday and met with the Kings front office. He didn't just show up—he went through a full medical exam and even worked out on the court, trying to prove he's serious. Sources say he also had an in-depth conversation with head coach Doug Christie and the coaching staff.

　　Actually, the Kings had their eyes on him for a while. Back in late August, Simmons did a private workout for Kings GM Scott Perry. The two talked for a solid hour. And just last month, Simmons showed up at a mini-camp for the Australian national team. According to people inside the Kings organization and some Australian players, Simmons looks strong and healthy now. That's probably what sealed the deal.

　　For the Kings, throwing a low-risk $3.5 million at a former defensive stopper? It's a gamble worth taking. Can Simmons rediscover his old all-around game under Christie's system? Can he prove he still has top-tier NBA talent? That's going to be one of the biggest storylines to watch in Sacramento's new season.