{
  "id": 5697757,
  "title": "Stephen A. Smith Slams Ben Simmons for NBA Comeback With Kings",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/stephen-a-smith-slams-ben-simmons-for-nba-comeback-with-kings",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T02:36:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/stephen-a-smith-slams-ben-simmons-for-nba-comeback-with-kings-12408174"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After recovering from a back injury, star player Ben Simmons signed with the Sacramento Kings for the upcoming season. The former No. 1 pick, who averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in 18 games with the Los Angeles Clippers last year, signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith expressed his disappointment with Simmons' comeback, criticizing the player's mental state and his behavior on and off the court. Smith stated that Simmons once had all the skills of a basketball player but struggled to perform when faced with the challenge of taking shots. He also pointed out that Simmons never missed a paycheck during his career, but now he should be the one paying the team for his services, considering his past behavior. The Philadelphia 76ers had high hopes for Simmons when they drafted him first overall in 2016, but injuries eventually led to his departure from the team. The Kings made a bid to bring Simmons back to Philadelphia, but the situation remains uncertain.",
  "summary": "Stephen A. Smith shared his honest thoughts on Ben Simmons making his NBA comeback with the Sacramento Kings.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ben Simmons signs one-year, $3.5M deal with Sacramento Kings",
    "Stephen A. Smith criticizes Simmons' mental state and behavior",
    "Philadelphia 76ers hoped for Simmons' return, situation uncertain"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}