​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 BackAfter 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.Mike Woodson looking fly at today’s training camp. pic.twitter.com/n4ZEB3QyWw— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) October 1, 2026Darius Acuff Jr.‘s the FutureWith 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.Darius Acuff Jr. gets an assembly line of coaches and staffers to assist his shooting routine, as one of two remaining players in the court to close out today’s day one of Kings training camp. pic.twitter.com/teD1Onxyuf— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) September 29, 2026In 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 mos