Ben Simmons Injures Achilles at Kings Practice

Ben Simmons injured his Achilles during Sacramento Kings practice on October 18, putting his planned NBA comeback on hold before the team’s season opener. The Kings said he hurt himself during a live drill and would need surgery. The specific diagnosis and a recovery timetable have not been confirmed by an official medical update in the supplied reporting. An initial report from ESPN insider Shams Charania, citing sources, said Simmons was believed to have torn his Achilles and described the injury as potentially season-ending. That assessment has been repeated in subsequent accounts, but the reports trace to the same initial source rather than separate medical confirmation. The Kings’ statement, as reported, said surgery was needed; it did not provide further details about the injury’s severity or expected absence. The injury came three days before Sacramento’s scheduled season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 21. Simmons, 30, had joined the Kings on a one-year deal after sitting out the 2025-26 season. He was attempting to return to the NBA after a year away, and the injury leaves his availability for the start of the season in doubt. Simmons had shown...