Why Ben Simmons chose the Sacramento Kings over the Knicks and Warriors to revive his NBA career
· Yahoo Sports
Ben Simmons recently signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Sacramento Kings after a year away from the NBA.
Simmons needed a break from professional basketball after dealing with several injuries and struggling on the court.
Visit extract-html.com for more information.
The 30-year-old has now turned down interest from the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors to join the Kings.
Journalist Marc Spears has revealed why Simmons believes Sacramento is the perfect place for him to revive his NBA career.
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty ImagesWhy Ben Simmons believes Sacramento is the right place to revive his career
Most players would rather play in big cities such as New York or San Francisco than small markets like Sacramento.
The Knicks and the Warriors are also expected to make the play-offs, whereas the Kings have been tipped to miss out.
However, Ben Simmons has faced so much scrutiny in his NBA career that he would rather have less attention next season.
The point guard wants to quietly prove himself as a quality NBA player without a media circus following him.
“One thing he likes about Sacramento is… he’s never played in [a small market]. People like to pick on the smaller markets, but sometimes that’s a safer haven,” Marc Spears told Sactown Sports.
“You go to Sacramento, it’s about basketball. I’d put their fans up there with anyone in the NBA. They eat, sleep, and drink basketball.
“I think the pressure is off for the first time in his career. Not that there’s no pressure, but it isn’t excruciating pressure on him.
“I think the media up there, for the most part, and the fans are going to put their arms around him and say, ‘Hey, let’s see what you can do. We’re excited.'”
As the backup to rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr., Simmons will be expected to provide solid playmaking and defense.
Simmons should look to average around 10 points, six rebounds, and six assists for the Kings next season.
Read more: