NBA fans aren't buying insider's Ben Simmons hype that makes 76ers comparison

Ben Simmons is entering his first season with the Sacramento Kings as a comeback attempt, but many NBA fans are skeptical of the hype surrounding his fit and form. Simmons signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract, saying he feels great after being away from basketball for more than a year. ESPN’s Marc Spears reported Simmons had an “outstanding” training camp with the Kings and could earn a starting spot. Still, social media reactions questioned his reliability and scoring, with fans pointing to past issues. Simmons, 30, could debut in Sacramento’s preseason opener Thursday vs. the Los Angeles Lakers; he last played in April 2025 for the Clippers.