Kings' Ben Simmons tears Achilles in training
LOS ANGELES, United States — Australian Ben Simmons's NBA return hit a brutal setback on Sunday (Monday Manila time) as the Sacramento Kings announced the former No. 1 draft pick had torn his right Achilles tendon in training.
"Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons was injured during a live drill in practice on Sunday," the Kings said in a statement. "An MRI revealed a torn right Achilles tendon. Simmons will undergo surgery. Further updates will be provided as appropriate."
Simmons had missed last season with nagging back injuries but agreed to a one-year deal with the Kings in September.
The 30-year-old point guard was the top pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by Philadelphia but missed the 2016-17 campaign with a broken right foot.
He earned the 2018 Rookie of the Year award, but his injury-plagued tenure in Philadelphia ended acrimoniously in 2022 and he last played in the NBA in early 2025 as a reserve with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists a game over eight NBA seasons, producing his best numbers with the 76ers before sitting out the 2021-22 campaign then being traded to Brooklyn, where he struggled and was waived in 2025 before finishing the season with the Clippers.
Simmons had boosted interest from clubs in August after a strong training camp with the Australian national team.
The Kings were 22-60 last season. They have reached the playoffs only once since 2006, falling to Golden State in the first round in 2023.
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