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ESPN to Premiere Ben Simmons Documentary Being Ben

The documentary set for October 18, 2026, explores the professional journey of the Sacramento Kings star.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration showing a basketball player in Sacramento Kings uniform mid-dribble, capturing the intensity of his professional comeback.
ESPN is set to premiere the documentary 'Being Ben' on October 18, 2026, chronicling the professional journey and recovery of Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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ESPN will air the documentary Being Ben on October 18, 2026, detailing the career of NBA player Ben Simmons. The film tracks his path from Melbourne to the league, addressing his recent physical challenges and scrutiny.

Why it matters

The documentary offers an inside look at Simmons' recovery after he sat out the entire 2025-2026 NBA season to prioritize his back health and mental well-being.

Ben Simmons signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. In his recent preseason debut, the 30-year-old scored 7 points across 9 minutes of play.

The players

Ben Simmons

He is an NBA player who spent his early years in Melbourne, Australia, and recently signed with the Sacramento Kings.

Scott Perry

He is the general manager of the Sacramento Kings who oversaw the contract agreement with Simmons.

ESPN

It is a major American multinational basic cable sports channel owned by The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications.

The details

After a private workout convinced Sacramento general manager Scott Perry of his fitness, Simmons signed with the Kings for the 2026-2027 season. The film documents his participation in the project and his resilience following the 2021 playoff fallout in Philadelphia.

Timeline

  1. Simmons passed up a dunk in the playoffs in 2021.

  2. Simmons sat out the entire 2025-2026 NBA season.

  3. Simmons made his preseason debut for the Kings on October 10, 2026.

  4. The Being Ben documentary premieres on October 18, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Simmons' return to the court as a starter significantly alters the Sacramento Kings' lineup dynamics for the 2026-2027 season. His ability to perform after a year of inactivity will determine the team's playoff viability and tactical flexibility.

The Sacramento Kings plan to utilize Simmons as a starter, which may impact team rotation strategies and total possession time. Fantasy managers should monitor his output after the 7-point performance in his limited 9-minute debut.

The takeaway

Simmons' return highlights the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation for professional athletes managing chronic injuries. Readers can view his journey as a case study in balancing physical demands with long-term career sustainability.

Further reading

For more background on the league, visit the Basketball section.

Live Poll

Do you support your local team signing athletes returning from long-term health and mental absences?