
AI-generated summary
Ben Simmons, the 2016 No. 1 overall NBA draft pick, has struggled with injuries in recent years, missing the entire 2025-26 season while rehabilitating back and leg issues. He previously played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Clippers.
Australian former No 1 overall draft pick Ben Simmons has taken a significant step towards resurrecting his NBA career, agreeing a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings.
The Melbourne-born guard returns on a US$3.5m (AU$4.9m) contract after sitting out the entire 2025-26 campaign while rehabilitating back and leg injuries that have hampered him in recent years.
Simmons, who last played with the Los Angeles Clippers in April 2025, celebrated his Kings deal on social media on Saturday morning (AEST) by posting a photograph of himself wearing a team cap.
While reigniting Simmons’ NBA career, his latest move is also a step towards possible Australian Boomers selection for next year’s Fiba World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Boomers, under Washington Wizards assistant and former NBL guard Adam Caporn, are chasing a podium return after a breakthrough bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics five years ago.
Simmons spent his year out of basketball rebuilding his body and gathered momentum in his comeback bid during a Boomers mini-camp in Melbourne last month.
The former Philadelphia 76ers (2017-21), Brooklyn Nets (2022-25) and Clippers (2024-25) guard also reportedly attracted serious attention from the reigning champion New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors before he signed with Sacramento.
Simmons was drafted as the No 1 overall by Philadelphia in 2016, but missed his entire first season with a foot injury before establishing himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
He claimed 2017-18 rookie of the year honours and was a two-time All-Defensive pick before further injuries derailed his career.
Simmons has not played more than 58 games in a season since 2018-19.
He has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.5 steals in 383 career games (344 starts) with the 76ers, Nets and Clippers.
Sacramento open the NBA pre-season at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on 5 October, and visit the Clippers for their regular-season opener on 21 October.
The Kings were 22-60 last season, finishing 14th in the Western Conference, and have only reached the playoffs once since 2006.
They suffered a first-round loss to Golden State in 2023, and have not won a playoff series since 2004.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ben Simmons will play a rotational role for the Sacramento Kings in the 2026-27 NBA season
Likely · Within months
Simmons will be considered for selection to the Australian Boomers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup
Possible · Within months

Australian middle-distance runner Cameron Myers won the men's 1500m Diamond League final in Brussels, defeating Olympic champions Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Cole Hocker with a time of 3:30.14. Other Australians including Kurtis Marschall, Lachlan Kennedy, Matthew Denny, and Rose Davies also competed in various events.

Beau Greaves made history by defeating Daryl Gurney 6-4 in the Czech Open, becoming the first woman to win a match on the European Tour in its 15-year history. The 22-year-old from Doncaster overcame a 3-1 deficit to secure victory and will face world number two Luke Humphries in the second round.

Real Madrid's perfect La Liga start ended with a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis after Troy Parrott scored and Álvaro Valles saved a late penalty from Kylian Mbappé. Meanwhile, PSG lost to Monaco in Ligue 1.

Judd Trump defeated world number one Zhao Xintong 5-1 to advance to the semi-finals of the British Open, where he will face Aaron Hill or Jak Jones. Trump praised the intense atmosphere of late-stage matches and referenced his motivation when losing the top ranking.

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has called on his team to draw inspiration from Soweto's historical significance, particularly the 1976 Uprising, as they prepare to face New Zealand at FNB Stadium on the edge of the Johannesburg township. He highlighted how the struggle against apartheid shaped modern South Africa and honored those who fought for freedom they never experienced.

British sprinter Amy Hunt placed third in the women's 200m at the Diamond League final in Brussels with a season-best time of 22.16 seconds, just 0.08 seconds off her personal best. She was beaten by Julien Alfred of St Lucia (21.79) and American Kayla White (22.00). Hunt praised her performance, noting strong form late in the season and her ability to handle a packed schedule due to winter training over 400m with short recoveries. She will also compete in the 100m event alongside Sha'Carri Richardson and aims to double up at the inaugural Ultimate Championships in Budapest starting 11 September. Other notable results included Matt Hudson-Smith fifth in the 400m, Jake Hayward eighth in the 1500m, Cameron Myers winning a 1500m duel against Phanuel Koech, Oblique Seville winning the 100m in 9.90 seconds, Emmanuel Wanyonyi securing his fourth straight Diamond League 800m title, and Emmanouil Karalis winning the pole vault after Armand Duplantis withdrew due to leg tightness. Noah Lyles announced an injury-enforced early end to his season, ruling him out of the Ultimate Championships.