Ben Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a team workout, ending his 2026-27 season before it began. Shams Charania of ESPN reported the development, which a subsequent MRI confirmed. The injury brings a sudden halt to a comeback attempt that had positioned the 30-year-old to secure a key role or even a starting spot in the team’s opening lineup. Simmons had not played an official NBA game since April 2025 before signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Sacramento in September 2026.
Preseason Momentum and Roster Expectations Cut Short
The timing of the injury disrupted a promising training camp and preseason for Simmons. After spending the 2024-25 season as a reserve with the Los Angeles Clippers and subsequently entering free agency without a team, he arrived in Sacramento looking to rebuild his career after years disrupted by back surgeries. In two preseason appearances, he averaged 10.5 points in 17 minutes per contest. Those outings included a 14-point, eight-rebound, seven-assist performance in 26 minutes during a 126-97 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, alongside a nine-point effort in nine minutes during a 111-106 defeat against the Golden State Warriors. Expectations had grown to the point where he seemed destined to start in the regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Just in: Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons is believed to have sustained a torn Achilles tendon at practice Sunday, sources tell ESPN. A suspected season-ending injury for Simmons after rejuvenated and impressive training camp and preseason performances. pic.twitter.com/v4HBvCbgQF
Rehabilitation Precedent and Past Surgical History
Simmons’ career trajectory has been defined by extended absences and major medical interventions, most notably multiple surgeries on his back. The latest diagnosis requires surgical intervention on the right Achilles tendon. While the Sacramento Kings did not specify an exact rehabilitation window in their official announcement, the injury rules him out for the entirety of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Public Response and Future Career Outlook
Following the confirmation of his injury, Simmons addressed the setback through a statement on his Instagram account, emphasizing his intent to continue playing professional basketball. I’ve faced challenges that tested me mentally, physically, and emotionally, and I found a way to overcome all of them,
Simmons wrote. This injury is just another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story. It’s never easy to step away from the game I love, especially after everything it took to get back here. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that adversity doesn’t define you. It’s how you respond to it that counts. I’ve been knocked down before and always found a way to get back up. This time won’t be different.
Next Steps for the Sacramento Kings Roster
The Sacramento Kings face immediate rotation adjustments on the eve of their regular-season schedule. The franchise prepares to open regular-season competition against the Los Angeles Clippers, while Simmons is set to undergo surgery.
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