The short version
- Ben Simmons will miss the entire NBA season after tearing his right Achilles tendon during a practice drill.
- The injury occurred just three days before Sacramento's season opener, dashing hopes for an immediate return to play.
- Simmons faces another significant hurdle in a career already marked by multiple injuries and mental health challenges.
Ben Simmons will not play for the Sacramento Kings this NBA season after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon during a practice session. The injury occurred during a live drill, just three days before the team was scheduled to open their campaign against the Los Angeles Clippers. Medical scans confirmed the severity of the damage, leading to the decision that he will undergo surgery and be sidelined for the remainder of the year.
The setback marks a significant disruption to Simmons' attempt to restart his professional career. The thirty-year-old guard had signed a one-year contract with Sacramento in hopes of regaining his form after a prolonged period away from competitive play. His absence removes a key veteran presence from the Kings' roster, which was looking to integrate him alongside rookie Darius Acuff and fellow veteran Zach LaVine as part of their rebuilding efforts.
Prior to the injury, Simmons had shown signs of progress during pre-season activities. He played twenty-six minutes in a loss to San Antonio, displaying flashes of the skill set that once made him a top-tier talent. This performance contributed to a growing sense of optimism among observers and former peers who believed he was ready to return to high-level competition.
Several NBA legends had publicly expressed confidence in Simmons' ability to make an impact this season. Dwight Howard, an eight-time All-Star, predicted on social media that Simmons would deliver one of the greatest comeback stories in league history. Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin also voiced support, with Griffin highlighting Simmons' defensive versatility, passing ability, and strength as assets that could benefit any team.
The latest injury adds to a difficult chapter in Simmons' career trajectory. The former number one overall draft pick was named Rookie of the Year and earned three All-Star selections early in his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, his career stalled significantly after he sat out the 2021-22 season due to a combination of physical injuries and mental health concerns.
Following his time in Philadelphia, Simmons was traded to Brooklyn, where he spent two and a half seasons plagued by various physical issues. He concluded the 2024-25 campaign with the Los Angeles Clippers before being released at the end of that season. He then sat out the entire following year, leading some critics to question his commitment to the game.
Simmons has addressed these doubts directly, denying claims that he had lost his passion for basketball. Upon signing with Sacramento, he emphasized his desire to return to competition and contribute to a new team. The recent injury forces another pause in this narrative, requiring him to navigate recovery once again.
In response to the news, Simmons posted a message on Instagram acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. He reflected on past challenges that tested him mentally, physically, and emotionally, stating that he has found ways through each one. He framed the current injury as another chapter in his journey rather than the end of his story.
Simmons emphasized resilience in his statement, noting that adversity does not define a person but rather how they respond to it. He recalled being knocked down before and always finding a way to get back up, asserting that this time would be no different. The focus now shifts to his surgical recovery and long-term rehabilitation process.
The Kings must now adjust their plans for the upcoming season without Simmons' anticipated contributions. His absence leaves a void in their frontcourt rotation and defensive scheme, requiring other players to step up. As the team prepares for the opener against Los Angeles, they will need to rely on their remaining roster depth to fill the gap left by the injured guard.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback derailed after tearing achilles tendon in practice
