Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026-27 NBA season after sustaining a torn right Achilles tendon. The team confirmed the injury occurred during a live practice drill on Sunday.
The 30-year-old veteran, who signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings on 4 September, is scheduled to undergo surgery. While the organisation did not provide a specific return timeline, reports indicate the injury is season-ending.
Simmons had been working to revive his career in Sacramento after sitting out the previous season. He had participated in the team's training camp and featured in the preseason, aiming to serve as a versatile backup point guard.
Reflecting on the setback, Simmons shared a statement on social media expressing his determination to recover. He noted that while the situation is difficult, he has overcome significant challenges throughout his professional journey in the past.
"I've faced challenges before that tested me mentally, physically and emotionally, and I've found a way through every single one of them," Simmons wrote. "This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story."
The guard added that he remains focused on his long-term response to adversity. "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."
Simmons, a three-time All-Star and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, had impressed the Kings' coaching staff during his initial workouts. General manager Scott Perry had overseen his recruitment following a successful meeting in Miami.
During the preseason, Simmons appeared in several games for Sacramento, showing flashes of his playmaking ability. He was expected to provide depth behind rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. and contribute across multiple positions.
The injury is a significant blow to the Kings, who are looking to improve upon their performance from the previous season. The team is scheduled to open their regular-season campaign on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Simmons' career has been marked by both high-level success and persistent physical issues. After a strong start with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he earned Rookie of the Year honours, his time in the league was later interrupted by back injuries.
Following his tenure in Philadelphia, Simmons spent time with the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. He had not played in the NBA during the 2025-26 season before joining the Kings' roster this summer.
Despite the disappointing news, the Kings have confirmed that Simmons will receive his full salary for the season. The financial terms were finalised as part of his contract agreement signed in early September.
The Sacramento organisation continues to prepare for their upcoming fixtures. The coaching staff must now adjust their rotation strategies for the opening week of the season without the veteran presence of Simmons.
Simmons' teammates and the wider basketball community have acknowledged the difficulty of the situation. The guard remains a notable figure in the league, having previously secured multiple All-Defensive team selections during his peak years.
The Kings concluded their preseason schedule recently and are now focused on the transition to competitive league play. The team's management has not yet announced any immediate roster moves to replace the injured guard.
As Simmons begins his rehabilitation process, he remains under the care of the Kings' medical staff. The focus for the player will be on a successful surgery and a long-term recovery plan to return to the court.
The Sacramento Kings' season opener remains the primary focus for the squad as they travel to face the Clippers. The team will look to establish a positive start to the campaign despite the recent injury news.
Fans and analysts have noted the impact of Simmons' absence on the team's depth. The Kings will rely on their remaining roster to fill the void left by the veteran's departure from the active rotation.
The team's medical department confirmed that an MRI scan was used to verify the severity of the Achilles tear following the incident at the practice facility. This diagnostic confirmation led to the decision for immediate surgery.
The basketball world awaits further updates on the recovery timeline for the former All-Star. For now, the Sacramento Kings are moving forward with their established roster for the start of the 2026-27 season.
Join the conversation