Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon during practice, ending his comeback attempt for the 2026-27 season. The 30-year-old signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the team but will undergo surgery and miss the entire campaign.
Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon during a live drill in practice on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the team announced. The injury, confirmed via MRI, will require surgery and leave the 30-year-old Australian star unable to play for the entire 2026-27 NBA season. Simmons, who signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings in September, had been attempting a comeback after sitting out the 2025-26 season due to back and leg injuries.
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
Major Setback Ends Simmons’ Comeback Attempt
Simmons’ injury marks another major hurdle in a career plagued by physical and mental challenges. The 2016 NBA No. 1 overall pick, a three-time All-Star and Rookie of the Year, has struggled with injuries and off-court issues since his early success with the Philadelphia 76ers. He sat out the 2021-22 season due to mental health concerns and physical ailments, was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and spent parts of the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Clippers before being cut. In 2020-21, Simmons was the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year behind Rudy Gobert, was selected to the All-Defensive First Team for the second straight season, finished 12th in MVP voting, and appeared in his third straight All-Star Game. His career averages include 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists over his first four full seasons.
As a rookie in 2017-18, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, averaging 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. He was named to the All-Defensive first team in 2019-20 and 2020-21, and his 2020-21 season saw him finish 12th in MVP voting. Before joining the Kings, Simmons had averaged 5.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over his last three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Clippers. His 2026 preseason with Sacramento included 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 17.4 minutes per game.
In a statement via his IG story, Sacramento’s Ben Simmons says in part: “I’ve been knocked down before and I’ve always found a way to get back up. This time will be no different.” https://t.co/anFVzx7UJs pic.twitter.com/Ub8Rn7vR8L
Kings Adjust Roster After Simmons’ Injury
The Kings, coming off a 22-60 season, had hoped Simmons would provide veteran leadership and depth. His contract was reportedly a non-guaranteed deal, with the potential to earn $1 million if he made the opening-night roster. However, the injury ensures he will receive the full $3.5 million, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Sacramento currently has a certain amount under the luxury tax line, and adding another minimum-salary player would leave them short. The team has an open spot on its 15-man roster, but the financial constraints limit their flexibility.
Simmons’ absence forces the Kings to re-evaluate their starting lineup. They had planned to pair him with rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and veteran Zach LaVine. Instead, they may lean on Precious Achiuwa, who started four of five preseason games, averaging 10.6 points and 5.8 rebounds. The team’s 2026-27 season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers is set for October 21. Sacramento’s starting five now includes Acuff, LaVine, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, and Achiuwa.
The Kings’ decision to sign Simmons reflected a gamble on his potential, but the injury highlights the risks of such moves. Prior to joining Sacramento, Simmons had interest from the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors, per The Athletic. However, the injury leaves the Kings attempting to rebuild around Acuff, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
Simmons’ Resilience and Uncertain Future
Despite the setback, Simmons remains optimistic. I’ve been knocked down before, and I’ve always found a way to get back up. This time will be no different,
he said. His preseason performances, including 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 17.4 minutes per game, had raised hopes for a revival. However, the Achilles tear adds to a string of injuries that have derailed his peak years. In 2026, this is the third Achilles rupture in the NBA this month, joining Thunder’s Otega Oweh and Sixers’ Ariel Hukporti.
Devastating in Sacramento for Ben Simmons to sustain such a serious injury just as he was about to make his official NBA comeback.If an Achilles tear is confirmed it would be the third already this month following Philadelphia's Ariel Hukporti and Oklahoma City's Otega Oweh.
Simmons’ journey has been marked by both triumph and turmoil. As a high schooler, he was selected as the top player in his class, receiving the Naismith, Gatorade, and Morgan Wootten national player of the year awards. In April 2015, he sat with reporters at the United Center during McDonald’s All American week, showcasing his potential. His NBA career began with the 76ers, where he became the first Australian to win Rookie of the Year and earned three consecutive All-Star nods. However, his tenure in Philadelphia ended amid trade demands, mental health struggles, and physical setbacks.
More on Rookie of the Year
Ben Simmons posts on his IG story following his torn Achilles and says it's "not the end of my story" 🙏(via bensimmons/IG) pic.twitter.com/FTiIDoufrq
The latest update on Ben Simmons' injury 💔More details here: https://t.co/kFUWdMb0At pic.twitter.com/X8RUig6Nbt
BREAKING: Kings guard Ben Simmons is believed to have sustained a torn Achilles tendon at practice today 🚨Simmons will undergo an MRI to confirm. BRUTAL. (via Shams) pic.twitter.com/5luonQ066Q
🚨JUST IN: Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons is believed to have sustained a torn Achilles tendon at practice, per Shams. pic.twitter.com/aaDAOmd9pV
The Sacramento Kings say Ben Simmons has suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, an MRI confirmed. pic.twitter.com/n6MDqMaucd
The Kings say an MRI has confirmed a torn right Achilles for Ben Simmons: https://t.co/b6cgg8tj0n pic.twitter.com/BzDhKPag4e