Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback suffers brutal blow in crushing setback with Kings

Any chance of Ben Simmons making a comeback this season will have to wait until next season.

The Sacramento Kings announced on Sunday that an MRI confirmed Simmons has suffered a torn right Achilles injury during practice.

“Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons was injured during a live drill in practice on Sunday, Oct. 18. An MRI revealed a torn right Achilles tendon. Simmons will undergo surgery,” the Kings announced in a press release this afternoon.

Simmons signed a one-year $3.5 million deal with the Kings last month after spending last year as an unsigned free agent. The deal was reportedly a non-guaranteed contract that would’ve paid him $1 million if he made the opening night roster.

Simmons was once a No.1 overall pick in the NBA Draft in 2016 but spent his career hampered by injuries, including a right foot fracture in 2016-2017, as well as constant knee and leg injuries from 2021-2025.

This season, he was expected to be a backup point guard, behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., who’s played in four of the Kings’ preseason games.

Simmons has appeared in two preseason games this season and recently had 25 minutes of playing time last Friday when he scored 14 points, with eight rebounds, seven assists, and one steal against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Kings are set to open their season this Wednesday when they travel to Los Angeles to play the Clippers.