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16 clusters · 91 sources · 73 days · First seen · Last updated

Ben Simmons Achilles injury ends NBA comeback attempt

Overview

Ben Simmons’ professional basketball comeback has been halted by a significant injury. During a live drill in practice on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the 30-year-old Sacramento Kings guard suffered a torn right Achilles tendon. The Sacramento Kings confirmed the injury following an MRI and announced that the former number one overall draft pick and three-time All-Star will undergo surgery.

The injury is expected to sideline Simmons for the entirety of the 2026-27 NBA season, occurring just three days before the Kings were scheduled to begin their regular season against the Los Angeles Clippers. This setback follows a year-long hiatus from the league during the 2025-26 season to address back and leg injuries. Prior to the incident, Simmons had shown signs of rejuvenation during the preseason, including a performance against the San Antonio Spurs where he recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.

Before joining Sacramento, Simmons had been a free agent after playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. He ultimately signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Kings worth up to $3.5 million, a deal that included a $1 million guarantee if he made the opening-night roster.

Following the injury, reports indicate the Kings are expected to keep Simmons on their roster due to NBA salary continuation rules. These rules protect players on non-guaranteed contracts who sustain injuries during team-related activities, meaning Sacramento will likely remain responsible for his salary during his recovery. Despite the setback, Simmons expressed defiance on social media, stating, “This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story.”

Entities

Ben Simmons · Sacramento Kings · NBA · Doug Christie · Darius Acuff Jr.

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Ben Simmons suffers season-ending Achilles injury with Sacramento Kings

    Ben Simmons is expected to miss the entire 2026-27 NBA season after tearing his right Achilles tendon during Sacramento Kings practice. The Kings will likely retain him due to NBA salary rules.

  2. [SPORTS] 40 sources
    Ben Simmons suffers season-ending Achilles tear

    Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons has suffered a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon during practice, ending his highly anticipated NBA comeback attempt before the regular season begins.

  3. [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Ben Simmons joins Sacramento Kings for NBA return

    Ben Simmons is set for a significant role with the Sacramento Kings, potentially starting in the regular season after returning to the NBA following a year-long absence.

  4. [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Ben Simmons makes NBA preseason debut with Sacramento Kings

    Ben Simmons returned to the NBA during a preseason game for the Sacramento Kings against the Golden State Warriors, marking his first appearance since April 2025.

  5. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Ben Simmons signs with Sacramento Kings following NBA hiatus

    Ben Simmons has signed a $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, impressing during preseason training after a year away from the NBA.

  6. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Ben Simmons responds to viral practice airball video

    Ben Simmons responded to a viral video of him airballing a three-pointer during a Sacramento Kings practice, stating that misses are part of the game as he returns to the NBA.

  7. [SPORTS] 15 sources
    Ben Simmons signs with Sacramento Kings for NBA return

    Ben Simmons returns to the NBA with the Sacramento Kings on a $3.5 million deal, dismissing critics who claimed he lacked passion for basketball during his year-long hiatus to focus on health.

  8. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Ben Simmons responds to Patrick Beverley's NBA comeback criticism

    Ben Simmons has responded to Patrick Beverley’s criticism regarding his NBA comeback with the Sacramento Kings, defending his work ethic after a year away from the league.

  9. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Ben Simmons signs non-guaranteed one-year deal with Sacramento Kings

    Ben Simmons has signed a non-guaranteed one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings, aiming for an NBA comeback after a year away from the league.

  10. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Ben Simmons agrees to one-year deal with Sacramento Kings

    Ben Simmons has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, returning to the NBA after a season sidelined by injuries.

  11. [SPORTS] 24 sources
    Ben Simmons signs one-year deal with Sacramento Kings

    Ben Simmons has signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, returning to the NBA after a season sidelined by injuries.

  12. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Sacramento Kings consider Ben Simmons for potential comeback

    The Sacramento Kings are considering a low-risk contract for Ben Simmons to leverage his defensive and passing skills following his recent struggles with injuries.

  13. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Ben Simmons pursues NBA comeback following Florida workout

    Ben Simmons is reportedly pursuing an NBA comeback following a year of inactivity, receiving positive feedback after a recent workout in Florida where observers described him as looking “fantastic.”

  14. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Ben Simmons pursues NBA return and Australian national team comeback

    Ben Simmons is working toward a professional comeback, participating in training in Melbourne to signal interest in returning to the Australian Boomers and undergoing workouts to secure an NBA return.

  15. [SPORTS] 9 sources
    Ben Simmons targets NBA and Boomers comeback

    Ben Simmons is working toward an NBA and Australian Boomers comeback following injury struggles and a recent stint with the Los Angeles Clippers.

  16. [SPORTS] 21 sources
    Ben Simmons targets NBA comeback via Australian national team camp

    Former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons is eyeing a league comeback and training with the Australian national team in Melbourne, reportedly receiving interest from several NBA franchises.

Sources

107jamz.com · 24-ore.com · 7news.com.au · abola.pt · americanindependent.com · archynetys.com · astig.ph · athleticsjournal.com · basketball.com.au · basketusa.com · bhbasket.ba · bleacherreport.com · blogdebasket.com · brisbanetimes.com.au · carteldeportivo.com · cassiuslife.com · classixphilly.com · communitynews.com.au · crossingbroad.com · digitalnewsreport.com · dunkest.com · elnuevodiario.com.do · eurohoops.net · fanSided.com · foxync.com · gerhard-wisnewski.de · goldenstateofmind.com · heavy.com · hindi.sportskeeda.com · hip-hopvibe.com · hoopsrumors.com · hoopswire.com · itsgame7.com · kaaltv.com · laopinion.com · lapresse.it · laughingplace.com · laurafiddamanphoto.com · liderendeportes.com · m.smh.com.au · majic945.com · mediaindonesia.com · meridiansport.rs · mundodeportivo.com · mymotherlode.com · nba-sweetdays.com · nbl.com.au · newsday.com

This summary has been updated 21 times: see revision history