news-engine

ESPN's Stephen A Smith didn't hold back his take on Ben Simmons' NBA comeback with the Sacramento Kings. After Russell Westbrook chose retirement over one more season, the Kings inked Simmons to a one-year deal. Sacramento has committed $3.5 million ahead of the 2026-27 season. However, Smith says the terms of Simmons' new contract should be reversed, as he explained on ESPN's First Take. “What am I supposed to say? That I'm happy about it? I've seen one of the great, great talents. I'm talking about a dude at 6-10 who was ambidextrous-the handle, the passing ability, the defensive prowess; this brother could do everything but shoot. He was something special, and somehow, someway, something happened to this dude's mental, and he treated taking a shot as if you asked him to be on the front lines in Afghanistan,” Smith said. “It made no sense whatsoever. It still makes no sense to me. “But I do know this: he never missed picking up his check. He always made sure he got paid. He always made sure he got his money. So, now that he's back in the league, here's what the problem is: it's a one-year deal. Here's my question, ya'll: why isn't he paying Sacramento? He should be paying them to let him play.” In an attempt to revive his career, the 2026-27 season is a great opportunity for Ben Simmons and the Kings. However, while Stephen A Smith wishes Simmons all the best this upcoming season, he still thinks Ben should be the one paying. “It should be in reverse. [Ben Simmons] should be the first player in the NBA who actually pays the team to let him play in an NBA uniform, considering the thievery he engaged in for a few years disguised as an NBA player, where he was scared of his own damn shadow,” Smith added. “But never scared to pick up the check to get the money. He should be paying them. That's all I have to say about this other than, hopefully, with some luck, someday he'll return to being that outstanding player he was before everything went awry.” "[Ben Simmons] should be the first player in the NBA that actually pays the team to let him play in an NBA uniform."@stephenasmith did NOT hold back on Ben Simmons’ return 😭 pic.twitter.com/hnTlF6leVS — First Take (@FirstTake) September 4, 2026 Simmons, who made three All-Star selections, two All-Defensive Teams, and one All-NBA Team after winning Rookie of the Year in 2018, has earned approximately $203.3 million throughout his seven-year NBA career.