It’s one of those bets with little to lose and a lot to gain. We all remember what Ben Simmons was in the NBA not long ago, and precisely for that reason the Sacramento Kings gave him a contract this summer. Well, with the real test still to come in official games, expectations are starting to soar.
According to journalist Marc Spears, the three-time All-Star has made a strong impression in his early preseason steps with the Kings; so much so that there’s talk that within a short period he could be a starter under Doug Christie’s guidance.
«I’ve heard that he’s had an outstanding camp. I wouldn’t be surprised, from what I’m hearing, that within a month he’s in the starting five. I think he’s doing very well, but the Kings are taking their time with him. It seems he’s playing again at the level he showed with the Sixers,» he explains.
The key for Sacramento right now is not to rush. They believe they may be witnessing the resurrection of a colossal talent, but they understand that skipping any steps is essential for the plan to reach a successful port.
In this way, Simmons could make his Sacramento preseason debut on Thursday against the Lakers or on Saturday against Golden State. He is fit and free of physical problems, but the California capital franchise wants to increase the intensity with caution.
Doug Christie, likewise impressed with Ben Simmons
What’s clear is that the entire franchise is backing Simmons so that he feels comfortable and can reach his best form. In that vein, the team’s coach, Doug Christie, can’t help but marvel at the basketball blend his pupil possesses.
«As a basketball player, it’s simply a combination you don’t see very often. When that kind of greatness appears in front of you, you recognize it. There’s no margin for error. He possesses all of those traits,» he asserts.
Obviously, for the moment it’s all words, but the mere display of such confidence fuels hope that a player who once seemed completely adrift could, at the very least, move closer to his former form rather than drift further away.
