Sacramento Kings veteran Ben Simmons sustained a torn right Achilles tendon during a drill in practice Sunday, the team announced.
Simmons, who hadn't played in the NBA since April 2025, signed a one-year deal with Sacramento in September. He was reportedly expected to start in Wednesday's season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers after a pair of encouraging preseason appearances.
The 30-year-old released a statement on social media in which he denied the injury would be "the end of my 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. The injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story.
It's never easy being away from the game I love, especially after everything it took to get back here. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that adversity doesn't define you. How you respond to it does.
I've been knocked down before, and I've always found a way to get back up. This time will be no different. ❤️😤
The 2016 first overall pick played 26 minutes in Friday's 126-97 loss to the San Antonio Spurs and finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists while shooting 5-of-9 from the field. In his preseason debut, he put up nine points and an assist in nine minutes during a 111-106 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Simmons went unsigned last season after finishing the 2024-25 campaign in a reserve role with the Clippers.
The three-time All-Star is averaging 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals over seven career seasons in the NBA.
