Golden 1 Center will greet the Sacramento Kings with a slightly different attitude as they prepare to begin the 2026–27 NBA season.

Former three-time All-Star and defensive standout Ben Simmons will not only miss the start of the season; it has also been reported that he will miss the entire 2026–27 campaign.

Simmons sustained a tear to his right Achilles tendon in practice, an injury that will require at least a year of rehabilitation.

Already spiraling after an abysmal 0–5 preseason, and the only team in the NBA not to win a preseason game so far, the Kings are staring at Wednesday night's regular-season opener in utter shock.

Sacramento is no stranger to adversity, but this disheartening news comes on the heels of a preseason that has not been kind to coach Doug Christie. Multiple articles in recent days have criticized his frenetic approach to preseason lineups and substitution patterns.

The current 0–5 record is not only the worst in the NBA; it also portends a myriad of issues as the Kings look ahead to Wednesday night's regular-season opener on the road against the Clippers, followed by Friday's home opener against the Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center.

One article went so far as to rate Christie the worst coach in the NBA. Amid the sordid shots aimed at the coach, notable former head coaches with a wealth of experience are sitting on the sidelines, hoping for a call. At the top of the list is Mike Budenholzer, former coach of the Milwaukee Bucks and an NBA champion. Budenholzer spent 17 years learning his craft under legendary coach Gregg Popovich. A two-time Coach of the Year, Budenholzer compiled a 520–363 record in 10 seasons as an NBA head coach. Along with Tom Thibodeau, he ranks among the most employable candidates today.

Suffice it to say, if the noise gets any louder in Kings land, fans will be clamoring for better leadership. And who can blame them?

I still cannot believe the lineups Coach Christie put on the hardwood during the preseason, or the confounding reason he had for sitting six to eight players at a time, while players who had already been cut from the team not only played considerable minutes but actually started games. To be clear, Ben Simmons is not one of the players I am referring to. He started the final preseason game against the Spurs, and the Achilles tear he suffered in practice afterward put him on the injured list.

That being said, the Kings have a game to play, and going into it with a positive spirit will be the order of the day.

Coming out of the preseason, Sacramento has every reason to believe that first-round draft choice Darius Acuff Jr. is going to be the point guard of the future, and Emanuel Sharp has given fans every reason to be excited about the energy and defense he brings to the table.

The loss of Ben Simmons is a multiple gut punch, but throwing in the towel is not an option. Responding to adversity is how teams grow into something bigger.

I look for Friday's home opener to bring a sellout crowd to Golden 1 Center, along with a chance for head coach Doug Christie to hit the reset button and silence some of his critics.

Everyone loves an underdog, and look no further than Coach Christie if you're looking for someone to root for.

Both Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine have shown no signs of lingering injuries, and Wednesday night looms large as the Kings open the regular season against the Clippers and finally begin playing games that count.

The Trail Blazers already beat Sacramento just last week, and it wasn't a contest from the jump. That needs to change, and the players need to come ready to play.

I expect a much different season from Zach LaVine. The same can be said of Keegan Murray, who has been disappointing in the preseason so far. That needs to change, and there's no better time than Wednesday night's opener.

On your feet, Kings fans, because the rest of the NBA has already counted you out. Wouldn't it be something special to prove them wrong?

Look for GM Scott Perry to make some kind of move soon to bring support to Darius Acuff Jr. at the point guard position.

Does Russell Westbrook shock the world and return for one last season? Anything is possible, but stay tuned.

All the best, Kings fans!