Ben Simmons has suffered a major injury just days before the start of the 2026-27 NBA regular season, with the Sacramento Kings guard reportedly tearing his right Achilles tendon during practice. The injury is expected to end his season, dealing a significant blow to the veteran’s anticipated comeback.
The latest Ben Simmons injury news comes after the three-time NBA All-Star impressed during training camp and preseason, raising hopes that he could make a meaningful impact with Sacramento following several difficult seasons affected by injuries.
Ben Simmons Tears Right Achilles Tendon During Practice
The Sacramento Kings confirmed that Ben Simmons sustained a torn right Achilles tendon during a live scrimmage drill at Sunday’s team practice. The injury occurred shortly before the beginning of the NBA regular season and is expected to require surgery.
According to reports, Simmons had been working hard to return to competitive basketball after dealing with previous back problems and undergoing surgeries. His latest setback is particularly disappointing because he had shown encouraging signs throughout the Kings’ preseason preparations.
The injury also creates uncertainty about his future with Sacramento, as the veteran guard signed a one-year contract with the franchise on September 4, 2026.
Did Ben Simmons Tear His Achilles?
Yes. According to the injury report, Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon during Sacramento Kings practice on October 18, 2026. The injury is expected to sideline him for the entire 2026-27 NBA season.
An Achilles tendon tear is a serious injury for a professional basketball player because the tendon plays a critical role in running, jumping, acceleration and explosive movements. Recovery typically involves surgery or another treatment plan, followed by an extensive rehabilitation process.
The Kings have been dealt a difficult blow just as the regular season approaches, while Simmons faces another lengthy recovery period in his NBA career.
Ben Simmons Achilles Injury Ends Comeback Hopes for This Season
The timing of the Ben Simmons Achilles injury makes the setback even more difficult. The former No. 1 overall draft pick had reportedly delivered an impressive training camp, convincing Sacramento’s coaching staff that he could contribute as a versatile playmaker and defender.
During two preseason appearances, Simmons averaged 10.5 points in 17.5 minutes per game. Those performances offered encouragement that he could regain an important role after years of health concerns.
Sacramento had planned to use Simmons as a flexible player capable of defending multiple positions while providing playmaking support behind rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr.
With Simmons now expected to miss the season, the Kings must reconsider their backcourt rotation and identify other options to fill the role he was expected to play.
Ben Simmons Shares Emotional Message After Injury
Following the injury news, Simmons shared a hopeful message on social media, emphasizing his determination to overcome another difficult moment in his career.
He acknowledged the physical, mental and emotional challenges he has faced throughout his journey and expressed confidence that he could recover from this latest setback.
Simmons also explained that being away from basketball is difficult, especially after the work required to return to the court. However, he stressed that adversity does not define a person and that his response to difficult circumstances matters most.
His message reflected a determined mindset as he prepares to begin another rehabilitation process.
Ben Simmons’ NBA Career and Injury History
Ben Simmons entered the NBA with enormous expectations after being selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft. He quickly established himself as an elite playmaker, using his size, passing ability and defensive versatility to make an impact.
Simmons earned three NBA All-Star selections and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2018. At his best, he was known for his ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates, defend multiple positions and push the ball in transition.
However, injuries and extended absences have interrupted his career in recent years, particularly problems involving his back. His move to Sacramento represented another opportunity to rebuild his career and demonstrate that he could still contribute at a high level.
The torn Achilles presents a new challenge for the veteran, who will now have to focus on recovery rather than preparing for the upcoming season.
What the Ben Simmons Achilles Injury Means for the Sacramento Kings
The Kings will need to adjust their plans following the loss of Simmons. His combination of size, defensive ability and ball-handling offered the team a different option in the backcourt.
Sacramento is expected to rely more heavily on rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. while evaluating alternatives for the backup point guard position. The team will also need to account for the defensive versatility and physical presence Simmons could have provided.
Although Simmons was not expected to single-handedly transform Sacramento into a championship contender, his preseason performances had created optimism about the value he could bring to the rotation.
His absence leaves the coaching staff with fewer options as the team prepares for the start of the NBA season.
What Is Next for Ben Simmons?
Simmons’ immediate priority will be treatment, surgery and rehabilitation following the Achilles injury. The precise recovery timeline and his eventual return to basketball will depend on his medical progress.
Because he signed a one-year contract, the injury could also affect his future with Sacramento. Whether the Kings consider bringing him back for another season will likely depend on his recovery, his long-term health and the team’s plans.
For now, the focus remains on Simmons’ recovery and his determination to return to the court.
Conclusion
The Ben Simmons Achilles injury is a major setback for both the player and the Sacramento Kings. After showing promising signs during training camp and preseason, Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during practice, with the injury expected to end his 2026-27 campaign.
The three-time All-Star now faces another difficult rehabilitation journey. However, his message following the injury suggests that he remains determined to overcome adversity and pursue another opportunity to play in the NBA.
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