Ben Simmons Out for Season With Torn Achilles Tendon Before Opener

Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons sustained a torn right Achilles tendon during a live practice drill on Sunday, October 18, 2026, just three days before the team’s season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The 30-year-old Australian player will undergo surgery and miss the entire 2026-27 NBA season. The injury halts a comeback attempt with the Kings, where Simmons had signed a one-year deal following a season away from the league.

Training Camp Momentum Halts in Practice

The injury occurred during a Sunday practice session in Sacramento. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the suspected season-ending tear on social media, noting that the setback followed an impressive training camp and preseason performance by the veteran guard, according to FantasyPros.

Simmons had logged 26 productive minutes in a pre-season loss to the San Antonio Spurs, displaying flashes of the form that previously earned him three All-Star selections and Rookie of the Year honors with the Philadelphia 76ers. Prior to the injury, he was projected to start and play heavy minutes for the rebuilding Kings alongside rookie Darius Acuff and veteran Zach LaVine.

Simmons and League Figures React to Injury

Following the medical scans confirming the severity of the tear, Simmons addressed the development through a statement on his Instagram story. 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.

Figures from across the league expressed support for the former No. 1 draft pick. Former Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard, currently playing for Georgian club Black Fortress Tbilisi, posted a reaction on X stating, Pray for Ben man, accompanied by a broken heart emoji, as reported by Heavy.com. Earlier in the week, Howard had predicted Simmons would author the greatest comeback story in league history.

Other former players also voiced optimism prior to the injury diagnosis. Blake Griffin spoke at the NBA on Prime launch in New York about Simmons’ physical tools and playmaking ability, stating that the league is better off with him on the court. Dirk Nowitzki also offered public backing for the guard’s return to form.

A Career Defined by Interrupted Progress

The latest diagnosis extends a multi-year absence of consistent playing time for Simmons. After rising to prominence in Philadelphia, he sat out the 2021-22 season due to a combination of physical injuries and mental health concerns. Subsequent stints followed with the Brooklyn Nets and a brief period with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 campaign.

Simmons was cut by the Clippers at the end of that season and did not play in the NBA throughout the entire 2025-26 season. Critics questioned his commitment to the sport during that hiatus, though Simmons maintained his desire to compete upon signing with Sacramento in the offseason.

With Simmons now facing an extended rehabilitation period following his upcoming surgery, the exact timeline for his recovery remains undetermined, and the Sacramento Kings must adjust their roster rotation ahead of their opening matchup against the Clippers.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.