[REVISION HISTORY]

Ben Simmons Achilles injury ends NBA comeback attempt

Updated 21 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-19 18:15 UTC → 2026-10-20 17:56 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~His former coach, David Patrick, had noted that~~ Following the ~~time away from~~ injury, reports indicate the ~~league appeared~~ Kings are expected to ~~have provided~~ keep Simmons ~~with a “new lease~~ on ~~life.” Leading up~~ their roster due to ~~the injury, Simmons was involved in a public dispute with Patrick Beverley.~~ 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 ~~injury,~~ setback, Simmons expressed defiance on social media, stating, “This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story.”

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