The necklaces forward / guard Ben Simmons He is believed to have suffered a ruptured Achilles during training on Sunday, according to Shams Charania (via Twitter).
Prior to his return this preseason, Simmons had been sidelined since the end of the 2024/25 season, trying to deal with a back injury that had hampered his mobility and efficiency in previous years, as well as a loss of confidence stemming from his days with the Sixers.
In two preseason contests with Sacramento, Simmons showed an aggressiveness not seen since the early days of his career, averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in just 17.4 minutes per game.
If the concerns about the nature of the injury prove true, it will almost certainly be a season-ending injury for the 30-year-old Simmons and a devastating end to this year’s bid to regain his footing in the NBA.
The Kings will also be looking for answers like Simmons is expected be in the opening day starting lineup alongside Darius Acuff, Zach Lavin, Keegan Murrayand Damantas Sabonis. The team turned to Dear Achiuwa often during the preseason, starting four of the five games he played in and averaging 10.6 points and 5.8 rebounds.
Simmons’ Achilles tear would also mark his third NBA season yet to begin, as the Thunder Atega Owe and the sixers Ariel Hookporti both suffered Achilles tears earlier in the preseason game.