‘I’m Gutted for Him,’ ‘Absolutely Brutal’ — NBA World Devastated As Ben Simmons’ Highly Anticipated Comeback Gets Derailed by Achilles Tear

Sacramento Kings guard-forward Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon during a live drill at Sunday's practice, just three days before he was scheduled to make his official NBA comeback in Wednesday's 2026-27 regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported the injury on the same day the network premiered "Being Ben," an E60 documentary chronicling the former No. 1 pick's attempt to revive his career. Simmons vowed to return, while NBA personalities lamented the "devastating" news.

NBA Community Bemoans Ben Simmons' Season-Ending Achilles Injury

Shortly after Charania's report, the Kings confirmed that an MRI revealed a torn right Achilles tendon and that Simmons would undergo surgery. Charania described the season-ending injury as "a devastating turn of events on the eve of his NBA return after rehabilitating from back surgeries."

The three-time All-Star has not played more than 51 games in a season since the 2020-21 campaign with the Philadelphia 76ers and sat out the entire 2025-26 season to heal from lingering back and leg injuries.

Simmons showed he was healthy during an Australian national team minicamp in August, worked out for Kings general manager Scott Perry in Miami, and signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal in September.

In an Andscape feature tied to the documentary, published Oct. 12, he said he had not gone through all that rehabilitation only to stay off the court.

Later Sunday, the 30-year-old responded optimistically to his latest setback in a statement on Instagram: "This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story."

Simmons wrote that stepping away from the game is never easy, especially after what it took to return, and closed with a vow: "I've been knocked down before, and I've always found a way to get back up. This time will be no different."

Reactions began pouring in within minutes of Charania's post. Spotrac's Keith Smith was among the first to weigh in, writing that he was "gutted for him, especially after all the preseason buzz was so positive from him and the Kings."

Simmons appeared in two of the Kings' five exhibition outings and started both, averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 0.5 steals while shooting 53.8% in 17.4 minutes per game.

"Absolutely brutal. He was back, looked like he had earned a starting job, and now this," Lakers Nation's Trevor Lane wrote.

"Extremely sad story… Simmons looked great too," NBA content creator Legend Of Winning reacted.

NBA insider Marc Stein called it "devastating in Sacramento for Ben Simmons to sustain such a serious injury just as he was about to make his official NBA comeback."

Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor looked past this season, much as Simmons did in his statement: "Truly awful news. Ben Simmons had worked so hard to get back to this point. Only can hope this sets up for an even greater comeback season one year from now."

The injury also has implications for Simmons' contract. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported in September that his deal was non-guaranteed, but ESPN's Bobby Marks explained that the Australian will still be paid in full:

"Simmons had a $1m guarantee if he was on the roster opening day. However, because this is a significant injury (salary continuation), Simmons will receive his full salary."

Andscape's feature reported that Simmons was expected to start alongside 2026 No. 7 pick Darius Acuff Jr. in the Kings' season opener. Coach Doug Christie had praised Simmons' versatility during training camp, saying, "He can guard everybody."

Coming off a 22-60 season, tied for the worst record in the Western Conference, and a winless preseason, Sacramento will now have to find that versatility elsewhere.