​Sacramento Kings star Ben Simmons draws mixed reactions from NBA fans after showing off his smooth shooting touch against Golden State.A smooth fadeaway jumper from Ben Simmons? NBA fans haven’t seen many of those over the years.The former Philadelphia 76ers star has faced criticism for his shooting throughout his career. Now with the Sacramento Kings, Simmons is trying to get his career back on track.He made his preseason debut against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, and one of his baskets caught the hoops world by surprise.Ben Simmons’ Smooth Fadeaway Against Warriors Catches NBA Fans Off GuardSimmons played just nine minutes in Sacramento’s 111-106 preseason loss to Golden State, finishing with seven points on 2-of-4 shooting, three made free throws and one assist.
The former All-Star also connected on a step-back fadeaway jumper, giving fans an unusual glimpse of a scoring move that has rarely been part of his bag.
It was his first NBA appearance since the 2025 playoffs with the Los Angeles Clippers. Lingering back and leg injuries kept him out last season before he signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with Sacramento in September.The 30-year-old made three All-Star teams in Philadelphia, where he was known for his passing, defense, and ability to attack the basket. His shooting remained a glaring weakness, particularly during the 2021 playoffs.In his last full season before the injury layoff, Simmons averaged just 5.0 points across 51 games with the Brooklyn Nets and Clippers.Fans had some fun with his unexpected jumper against the Warriors.“BEN SIMMONS,” one fan wrote, adding fire emojis.Another couldn’t believe it: “I beg your pardon.”“Him developing a jumper with the Kings would actually be hilarious,” another fan commented.Some fans brought up his former teams. One mentioned Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, who played alongside Simmons in Brooklyn.“KYRIE AND KD NEEDED YOU,” the fan remarked, adding broken-heart emojis.Another joked about Simmons returning to Philadelphia.“Just wait until the Sixers bring him home at the trade deadline,” Cuffs The Legend tweeted.Others weren’t nearly as impressed. Simmons has shown flashes of improvement before, and some fans weren’t ready to get excited over one preseason shot.“Phase 1 of the Ben Simmons experience,” one claimed. “Too late, he’s finished,” another added.SEE ALSO:‘Real NBA Beef to Come Back,’ ‘Awkward’ – Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown’s Ice-Cold Reunion Fuels NBA Fans’ Bad Blood SuspicionsSimmons has plenty to prove after spending more than a year away from the NBA. Injuries have limited him in recent seasons, and the Kings will need to see whether he can stay healthy and contribute consistently.Seven points in nine minutes was a decent start, though.This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.