Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons has torn his Achilles tendon and will have surgery, the team announced Sunday. ESPN says it is likely a season-ending injury. It happened during a live drill at practice, three days before the Kings' first game.
How did Ben Simmons get hurt?
The Kings said the injury happened during a live drill at Sunday's practice. Sacramento opens the regular season on Wednesday, October 21, at the LA Clippers.
Simmons is 30. According to ESPN, he had "authored an impressive training camp on short notice."
What did Ben Simmons say?
In a statement on social media, Simmons wrote:
"I've faced challenges before that tested me mentally, physically and emotionally, and I've found a way through every single one of them. This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story."
He added: "It's never easy being 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. How you respond to it does."
How did Simmons end up in Sacramento?
| Contract | One year, $3.5 million (agreed Sept. 4) |
| Planned role | Backup to rookie PG Darius Acuff Jr., playing positions 1-5 |
| Preseason | 10.5 points in 17.5 minutes (2 games) |
| Height / weight | 6-foot-10, 240 pounds |
| Career honors | No. 1 overall pick (2016), Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star |
ESPN reported that Simmons arrived healthy. He won over general manager Scott Perry with a workout in Miami and an hourlong meeting in late August. He then visited Sacramento, where he went through an in-depth medical exam and an on-court workout that impressed coach Doug Christie and his staff.
The plan was for Simmons to be a high-upside reclamation project: a versatile big guard backing up the rookie point guard, with years of his prime still ahead.
Why does this one hurt so much in Australia?
Simmons, who grew up in Melbourne, has been one of Australia's highest-profile basketball players since the Philadelphia 76ers drafted him first overall. Australian coverage, including ESPN's Australian edition, had followed the comeback closely. ESPN Australia called it the comeback "Australia was dying to see."
What does it mean for the Kings?
Sacramento is already a long shot. DraftKings lists the Kings at 1,000-1 to win the title, tied with Memphis for the longest odds, according to ESPN. Losing a veteran ball-handler hurts depth behind Acuff.
More on the season: NBA 2026-27 predictions and title odds.
