The Sacramento Kings find themselves in an interesting position as they head into the 2026-27 regular season.
Last season, the squad lost multiple starters to season-ending injuries, but their key pieces are back and healthy. Along with returning players, the Kings front office added fascinating rookies and veterans looking to revitalize their careers.
The team came together for the first time in late September for training camp and media day. What are the biggest takeaways from the two events?
Ben Simmons Is Back
After taking time away from basketball last season, Simmons signed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings on Sep. 4. Simmons is a three-time NBA All-Star and one-time third-team All-NBA awardee.
Despite these accolades, the public has scrutinized him closely for decisions he’s made on and off the floor. These include passing off an open layup in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals and checking out in Philadelphia.
The 30-year-old spent last year working on himself and separating himself from the noise that came with NBA basketball. He purchased and led the South Florida Sails in the Sport Fishing Championship, while still working to stay in shape and heal his mind and body.
At Sacramento Kings Media Day, reporters hounded him, all curious about one topic. What version of Simmons are the Kings signing? Well, when asked if he could return to the peak of his powers, Simmons responded by saying, “He’s there. He woke up.”
Actions speak louder than words, and training camp clips show Simmons responding well to coaching from Doug Christie and Mike Woodson. He’s also been seen working on his jump shot. His lack of a three-point shot has led to criticism and outside noise.
Darius Acuff Jr.‘s the Future
With the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings selected Acuff out of the University of Arkansas. The Kings believe he is a future superstar to build around. Scott Perry has consistently preached that he wants to build a “sustainable winner,” and that starts with adding impressive young talent.
It’s one thing to believe in your rookie; it’s another to invest time and resources to ensure they achieve success. On one of the first days of training camp, an “assembly line of coaches and staffers,” as KCRA 3’s Sean Cunningham put it, helped him work through his shooting routine.
In an interview with ESPN 1320, Kings Head Coach Doug Christie said he plans to hold the guard to an equal standard as the team’s seasoned veterans. In Sacramento, the future is now, and it’s important to make the most of their group.
Pundits and fans alike overreacted drastically to Acuff’s NBA summer league performance. They cited his inefficient outings as giveaways for how he’ll perform in the regular season. This argument has one main flaw: Acuff faced double teams whenever he touched the ball. Now, he will be accompanied by other talented pieces that demand equal, if not greater, attention from the defense.
Acuff won’t be perfect from day one. He’ll have a major learning curve as he adjusts to the speed and intensity of the NBA. That doesn’t mean he’s poised to fail long-term, though. The coaching staff wants him to take shots; they want him to experience failure so he avoids mistakes in the prime of his career.
Kings Feel Disrespected by Record Predictions
Sports media outlets all have the difficult task of predicting NBA teams’ records every offseason. When it comes to the Kings, though, the consensus is clear. The agreement in question? The Kings are a shoo-in for last in the Western Conference.
Backup center Dylan Cardwell believes the Kings are “the most disrespected team in all sports across the country.” The feeling of disrespect seems to be the consensus around the building. The squad believes they’re too talented to be last in the league and in the NBA Draft Lottery’s new relegation zone.
The Kings roster consists of three former NBA All-Stars, along with a very talented class of rookies and second-year pieces. At the end of the day, fit matters more than on-paper talent. Scenes from training camp show immense, palpable chemistry in the building. One such example is players going out of their way to support one another on social media.
The Kings front office is building a foundation for the future, but that doesn’t mean the present is sure to be gloomy. Dynamic duos are sure to form between players across the squad’s jumbled timeline. Starting center Domantas Sabonis and Acuff will work well together, as will 3&D wings Keegan Murray and De’Andre Hunter.
They likely won’t be a great team this year; however, they can certainly work their way into the top 11-13 of a tough Western Conference. A brief preview of the team’s potential strengths will come as they play their preseason matchups soon.
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