Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons has suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during practice, dealing a devastating blow to his NBA comeback ahead of the 2026–27 regular season.
The injury reportedly occurred during Sunday's practice and was subsequently confirmed by an MRI. Simmons is expected to undergo surgery and miss the entire 2026–27 campaign.
The 30-year-old joined Sacramento on a one-year, $3.5 million contract in September, hoping to rebuild his career after missing the 2025–26 season while recovering from back problems.
A former No. 1 overall draft pick, three-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-Defensive First Team selection, Simmons had been working towards a fresh start with the Kings.
The injury comes at an especially difficult moment, with the regular season about to begin and Simmons having shown encouraging signs during preseason preparations.
Simmons has responded publicly to the setback, expressing his determination to continue his basketball journey despite another serious injury.
The Kings now face the prospect of beginning the season without Simmons, while his immediate focus shifts to surgery and rehabilitation. No specific return date has been announced.
Lean Edge Thoughts...
For Simmons, this is about far more than a single missed season. After years of injuries and interrupted opportunities, Sacramento represented another chance to establish himself as a consistent NBA contributor.
His defensive versatility, size and playmaking ability have always made him an unusual talent. The challenge has been staying healthy long enough to deliver those qualities consistently.
An Achilles rupture is a serious injury for any player, particularly someone whose game has historically relied on mobility and defensive movement. Any discussion of his next basketball destination or future role is premature until his recovery progresses.
For Sacramento, the immediate basketball impact depends on the role Simmons would have occupied. For the player himself, the consequences are much more personal: another lengthy rehabilitation process just as a new opportunity was beginning.
LEAN EDGE VERDICT
A cruel setback at the worst possible moment. Simmons had earned another opportunity to restart his NBA career, only to face another major injury before the season began. The priority now is a successful recovery, without rushing to make predictions about whether or when he will return.
