A practice injury interrupts Sacramento’s plans
Ben Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Sacramento Kings practice on October 18, with the team confirming the injury after an MRI. Surgery is planned, and ESPN reported that the injury is expected to end his 2026–27 season before he plays a regular-season game.
The setback came during a live drill as Sacramento completed its preparations for opening week. Simmons had joined the Kings on a one-year contract in September after spending the previous season away from NBA competition while recovering from persistent physical problems.
For Simmons, the timing is particularly difficult. Training camp offered a route back to regular basketball after an extended rehabilitation period. Instead, his immediate focus shifts to another operation and recovery, with no firm return date announced by the team.
Sacramento must also adjust its plans. Simmons had been competing for a meaningful role as a ball-handler, passer and defender. His absence leaves fewer options for distributing those responsibilities when the regular season begins. It does not, by itself, establish who will start or how the remaining minutes will be allocated.
The Kings are scheduled to begin their season against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 21 in the United States. The next substantive update for Simmons will concern his surgery and the club’s rehabilitation plan, while Sacramento’s coaching staff must settle its opening rotation without him.