Oct 16, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons (25) drives to the basket between forward Keldon Johnson (3) and center Tarris Reed, Jr. (10) during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Devastating news from the Kings today as ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Ben Simmons has suffered a torn Achilles in practice today, ending his season just days before he was set to make his comeback. Simmons was a bright spot for the Kings in training camp and preseason, and was reportedly set to even start for the team, but now will have work on rehabilitating from yet another injury.
While this news is bad for the Kings, who had hoped Simmons could fill a role as a secondary playmaker/connector as well as a defender, it’s ten times as devastating for Simmons, who has already spent the majority of his career dealing with various injuries. He had taken a year off to get his mind and body right, and was reportedly in excellent shape coming into camp. Simmons also had a documentary release just today on ESPN where he spoke about his comeback and how much returning to basketball meant to him after the adversity he’s faced. That comeback will have to wait a bit longer now, if it is even able to come at all.
With Simmons out, the Kings will likely look to sign another veteran Point Guard to give rookie Darius Acuff Jr. some support. Elfrid Payton was recently released by the team but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Kings get him back on the roster quickly due to this injury.
Best of luck to Ben, and hopefully a full and complete recovery.
[Patreon Membership
Patreon Membership](https://www.patreon.com/kingsherald)