Ben Simmons Suffers Season-Ending Achilles Injury

Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons will miss the rest of the 2026-2027 season after tearing his Achilles tendon during practice last Sunday. His teammate, Keegan Murray, described the injury as "probably the worst thing I've ever seen on the basketball court."

"When he did it, obviously there was a different feel in the gym…. It was a tough situation, and for me, I got to be able to step up for what he was going to bring us," Murray told reporters.

Simmons had been working towards an NBA comeback after a career plagued by injuries. The Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, but he missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury. Throughout his career, Simmons has faced multiple injuries, particularly to his knee and back.

Last season, Simmons opted out of playing in the NBA to focus on rehabilitation. He signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings in the offseason, with $1 million guaranteed if he made the opening night roster. Simmons appeared in two preseason games, showcasing promising form with 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in a recent game against the San Antonio Spurs.

Despite the season-ending injury, ESPN's Bobby Marks reported that the Kings intend to pay Simmons his full salary.