09/05/2026, 2:01 AM

Role uncertain for 2026-27

Although Russell Westbrook is out of the picture now, Ben Simmons will return to The Association and figures to see a steady role in the Kings' rotation thanks to his defensive versatility and playmaking. Along with fellow rookie Alex Karaban, Sharp isn't guaranteed a meaningful role to begin his professional career. However, the No. 45 overall pick out of Houston could see increasingly steady minutes as the season progresses, depending on whether the Kings trade some of their veterans.

09/05/2026, 1:51 AM

More competition for minutes

Simmons will return to The Association after sitting out the 2025-26 campaign. With the three-time All-Star in the mix, Karaban faces increased competition for playing time off the bench. Karaban, the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, could see increasingly steady minutes as the season progresses, though the UConn product isn't guaranteed a meaningful role early on, especially if Keegan Murray (ankle) is healthy to begin the campaign.

09/05/2026, 1:29 AM

Faces increased competition for minutes

Simmons ended up sitting out the entire 2025-26 campaign but will return to The Association this season. He's a versatile defender who could take on a meaningful role thanks to his playmaking ability, though Simmons' arrival may result in fewer minutes for Monk. Monk averaged 12.5 points, 3.0 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 22.0 minutes per tilt across 62 regular-season games (three starts) last season, marking his fewest minutes per game since he played for the Hornets in the 2020-21 campaign. Aside from Simmons, Monk also faces competition for playing time from rookie No. 7 overall pick Darius Acuff, Nique Clifford and Emanuel Sharp. Monk has a $21.6 million player option for 2027-28 and remains a candidate to be traded after having been the subject of trade rumors throughout the 2025-26 season.