Nightmare for Ben Simmons: Severe Achilles injury derails Australian's NBA comeback

Ben Simmons has suffered a devastating injury and is set to miss the upcoming NBA season. The Sacramento Kings playmaker tore his Achilles tendon during team practice on Sunday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. An MRI confirmed the severity of the tear, bringing a premature end to the Australian's campaign.

ESPN 1320's James Ham also confirmed the news regarding Simmons' condition. The injury deals a massive blow to the former NBA star's bid to revitalize his career at the highest level.

Simmons inked a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings this past summer after sitting out the entire 2025/26 season to recover from persistent health issues and regain peak fitness. He impressed the coaching staff during individual workouts, earning himself a roster spot with the Western Conference franchise.

The Australian forward carried that strong form into training camp and preseason action. Across three exhibition games, Simmons averaged 6.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 17.5 minutes per contest. In his final preseason tune-up—a 126-97 defeat against the San Antonio Spurs—he stood out with 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in 26 minutes of play.

The torn Achilles represents yet another crushing setback for Simmons, who has spent recent years battling recurring back problems. This latest severe injury casts serious doubt over the professional basketball future of the former 2016 No. 1 overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 30-year-old Simmons has also featured for the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers throughout his NBA career.