Ben Simmons has torn his right Achilles tendon at Sacramento Kings practice and will need surgery, a cruel blow for the Australian just days before his NBA comeback was due to begin.
The Kings confirmed the injury in a medical update on Sunday (US time), saying Simmons “was injured during a live drill in practice on Sunday, Oct. 18. An MRI revealed a torn right Achilles tendon. Simmons will undergo surgery. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.” The statement was shared by NBA reporter Marc Stein.
The club did not give a timeline for his return. ESPN’s Shams Charania, who first reported the injury, described it as “a suspected season-ending injury for Simmons after rejuvenated and impressive training camp and preseason performances.”
Comeback cut short
The 30-year-old had not played in the NBA since the end of the 2024-25 season, sitting out all of 2025-26 while dealing with the back problems that had hurt his mobility, before signing a one-year deal with Sacramento in September.
He looked sharper than he had in years during the preseason, averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 17.4 minutes across two appearances, according to Hoops Rumors, and was expected to start for the Kings on opening night.
Read more: Ben Simmons Stuns NBA Fans With Unexpected Shooting Display In Kings Comeback
What it means for the Kings
Sacramento open their season against the LA Clippers, the club Simmons finished his last NBA season with, on Wednesday night US time (Thursday afternoon AEDT). Hoops Rumors noted the Kings leaned on Precious Achiuwa during the preseason, starting him in four of the five games he played.
Stein pointed out that a confirmed tear would make it the third Achilles injury of the month in the NBA, after Philadelphia’s Ariel Hukporti and Oklahoma City’s Otega Oweh.
For the Melbourne-born former No. 1 draft pick and three-time All-Star, it is a devastating setback just as his career finally appeared to be heading back in the right direction.
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