SACRAMENTO (Azat TV) — Sacramento Kings guard-forward Ben Simmons has suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a live practice drill, abruptly ending his highly anticipated NBA comeback just three days before the team’s regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to reporting by AOL.
The injury, confirmed by an MRI, requires surgery and sidelines the 30-year-old veteran for the entire 2026-27 season. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the development on the same day the network premiered “Being Ben,” an E60 documentary detailing the former No. 1 overall pick’s arduous multi-year recovery from back and leg surgeries.
A Cruel Twist After a Promising Preseason
The setback halts what had emerged as one of the league’s most talked-about redemption stories. After sitting out the entire 2025-26 campaign, Simmons participated in an Australian national team minicamp in August and impressed Kings management during private workouts in Miami. Those performances culminated in September when Sacramento signed him to a one-year contract.
During the preseason, Simmons started two of five exhibition outings, averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 17.4 minutes per game while shooting 53.8%. Coach Doug Christie had integrated the versatile defender into the starting lineup alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr., noting during training camp that Simmons’ defensive flexibility gave the squad a unique edge.
Contract Status and Financial Resolution
While the sporting blow leaves a significant void for a Sacramento side coming off a 22-60 season, salary cap specialists have clarified the financial implications. HoopsHype previously reported that Simmons’ one-year deal was non-guaranteed, but ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted that league rules regarding significant injuries ensure salary continuation, meaning Simmons will receive his full compensation.
Reactions across the basketball world were swift. Spotrac’s Keith Smith and NBA insider Marc Stein expressed dismay over the timing, while players and analysts alike lamented the cruel nature of the injury after years of grueling rehabilitation.
Looking Forward and Response
Simmons addressed the setback publicly via Instagram, writing, “This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story.” He vowed to work his way back once again.
For the Kings, attention immediately turns to rebuilding rotation depth ahead of their opening matchup against the Clippers. Without Simmons’ veteran presence and defensive versatility, head coach Doug Christie must reconfigure a lineup tasked with improving upon last season’s struggles in the Western Conference.