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Simmons returns to the NBA, Stephen A. Smith: “He should have to pay”

Sandy Verma | September 9, 2026 8:24 PM CST

Ben Simmons’ return to the NBA was one of the biggest storylines of the offseasona possibility that had divided NBA insiders from the start. Yesterday afternoon, when that possibility became reality with the Australian signing with the Sacramento Kings, controversy immediately erupted across the American media landscape.

Among the most critical voices regarding the Kings’ decision was Stephen A. Smithwho has made no secret of his dislike for Simmons in recent years. The ESPN journalist’s main target is the player’s apparent lack of effort during his final NBA seasons.

After those comments, Smith delivered his real shot at the former Sixers star, arguing that Simmons should actually be paying Sacramento for the opportunity he has been given.

As excessive as those comments undoubtedly are, it’s hard to deny that Ben Simmons’ downfall is one of the most frustrating stories in the NBA over the past several years. Especially when you think about the player we saw at the beginning of his career.

That infamous missed layup in the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawksperhaps even more than his recurring back problems – which the Kings believe are now behind him – has become the defining image of his decline. Simmons seemingly had everything needed to become one of the faces of the NBAyet within just a few years he found himself on the verge of falling out of the league.

The hope is that we can at least see a more decisive and confident playerbecause his talent has never been in question. If he can make that mental leap, perhaps we could catch glimpses again of the phenomenal player he once was – although, realistically, that version of Simmons may no longer exist.