Ben Simmons Tears Right Achilles Tendon During Sacramento Kings Practice
Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a team practice on October 18, 2026, forcing the veteran playmaker to undergo surgery and likely miss the entire 2026-27 NBA season. The severe injury halts Simmons’ latest comeback effort just as he was displaying strong form during the preseason.
Simmons joined the Kings on a one-year, $3.5 million contract after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season to recover from persistent back issues that required two surgeries between 2022 and 2025. Selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons earned Rookie of the Year honors, three All-Star selections, and two All-Defensive First Team nods while averaging 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists across his first four professional campaigns.
Preseason Performance Cut Short by Injury
Before the injury, Simmons established himself as a versatile contributor during preseason preparations, averaging 10.5 points across 17.5 minutes in two exhibition appearances. Projected to back up rookie Darius Akaf Jr. at point guard while offering defensive switchability across multiple positions, Simmons showcased renewed strength attacking the paint and defending opponents.
he’s back 🔥 pic.twitter.com/y9S9nRVz5I
The precise recovery timeline remains unannounced, though medical expectations point to an extended absence that sidelines the 30-year-old for the duration of the upcoming campaign. In a statement posted to his social media accounts, Simmons addressed the setback directly.
Simmons wrote that he has faced challenges that tested him mentally, physically, and emotionally, and he has always found a way through them. He added that the injury is another chapter in his journey, not the end of the story, noting that it is never easy to step away from the game he loves, especially when he knows how much sacrifice it took to get back. He concluded that if he has learned one thing, it is that adversity does not define you, but rather how you face it.
Roster Adjustments Facing Sacramento Front Office
Simmons’ sudden absence forces the Kings coaching staff to redesign their rotation strategy ahead of opening night. Front office executives must evaluate potential roster additions under strict financial constraints, operating with approximately $2.9 million in space remaining below the luxury tax line.
While open roster spots provide flexibility, adding external talent without exceeding the tax threshold presents a challenge for Sacramento leadership as they navigate the opening weeks of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ben Simmons’ Injury
What contract did Ben Simmons sign with the Sacramento Kings?
Simmons signed a one-year deal worth $3.5 million to join the Kings for the 2026-27 season after spending the previous year away from the league to rehabilitate his back.
When did the injury occur?
The right Achilles tendon tear happened during a team practice session on October 18, 2026.
How many minutes did Simmons play in the preseason?
Simmons averaged 10.5 points in 17.5 minutes per game across two preseason appearances for Sacramento before sustaining the injury.
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