The latest NBA Achilles injury news has delivered a major setback for Ben Simmons and the Sacramento Kings. An MRI confirmed that the veteran guard tore his right Achilles tendon during practice on Sunday, October 18. Simmons is expected to undergo surgery and miss the 2026-27 NBA season, ending his comeback attempt before the regular season begins.
The injury is particularly disappointing for Simmons, who had been working toward a return to the NBA after missing the entire 2025-26 season. Sacramento signed the former No. 1 overall pick in September after evaluating his progress during offseason workouts. The Kings hoped his versatility, playmaking ability, and defensive experience would strengthen their roster.
Ben Simmons Suffers Season-Ending Achilles Injury
According to the latest reports, Simmons sustained the injury during a live practice drill with the Sacramento Kings. The team confirmed the torn right Achilles tendon following an MRI and said he would need surgery.
The timing makes the setback even more difficult. Simmons had spent months working toward a return to competitive basketball after dealing with back and other physical problems. His new opportunity in Sacramento was intended to help him rebuild his career and regain a consistent role in the league.
The Kings had signed Simmons to a one-year contract worth approximately $3.5 million in September 2026. He impressed the organization during offseason workouts and passed the team’s medical evaluations before joining the roster.
Although his exact recovery timeline has not been established publicly, the injury is expected to sideline him for the 2026-27 season. Achilles tendon rehabilitation can require an extended period, and any eventual return will depend on his recovery, medical assessments, and rehabilitation progress.
How Ben Simmons Was Performing Before the Injury
Simmons appeared in two preseason games for Sacramento before suffering the Achilles injury. He averaged 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game during those appearances, offering an early look at what he could contribute to the team.
The 30-year-old Australian entered the NBA as the first overall selection in the 2016 draft, selected by the Philadelphia 76ers. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 2017-18 season and earned three consecutive All-Star selections from 2019 through 2021.
During his career, Simmons has established himself as a versatile player capable of creating scoring opportunities for teammates, defending multiple positions, and contributing as a rebounder. He has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists across 383 regular-season games.
However, recurring injuries and extended absences have interrupted his career in recent seasons. He did not appear in an NBA regular-season game during 2025-26, making his Sacramento comeback particularly important for his future.
What Ben Simmons’ Injury Means for the Sacramento Kings
Simmons was expected to provide Sacramento with valuable depth across multiple positions, particularly at point guard. His passing and defensive versatility could have complemented the team’s younger players while giving the coaching staff additional lineup options.
His absence now forces the Kings to adjust their plans before the regular season begins. Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr., the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is among the players expected to take on significant early responsibilities.
Sacramento will also need its other guards and playmakers to help fill the gap left by Simmons. His combination of size, passing vision, and defensive flexibility is difficult to replace with a single player, so the team may need to distribute those responsibilities across its rotation.
The injury also creates another challenge for Simmons personally. After spending a full season away from NBA competition, he had an opportunity to reestablish himself with a new organization. His immediate priority will now be surgery, rehabilitation, and a medically guided recovery.
NBA Achilles Injury Updates: Ariel Hukporti and Damian Lillard
Simmons is not the only NBA player whose recent career plans have been affected by an Achilles tendon injury. Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a preseason game against the New York Knicks on October 6, 2026. An MRI confirmed the injury, and he subsequently underwent surgery.
Hukporti’s injury occurred during his preseason debut for Philadelphia. The center had previously played for the New York Knicks and contributed as a rotation player during his time with the team. His recovery will now take priority as he works toward returning to competition.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard provides a different perspective on recovery from a serious Achilles injury. The nine-time All-Star has returned to the court with the Portland Trail Blazers after spending approximately 16 months rehabilitating a torn left Achilles tendon sustained while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Lillard’s return illustrates that an Achilles injury does not automatically end an NBA career. However, each player’s recovery is different, and his experience should not be treated as a guaranteed timetable for Simmons or Hukporti.
What Is an Achilles Tendon Injury in Basketball?
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays a critical role in walking, running, jumping, and pushing off the ground. Basketball places substantial demands on the tendon because players repeatedly accelerate, change direction, jump, and land during games and practices.
A complete Achilles tendon tear is a serious injury that generally requires a structured treatment and rehabilitation plan. Depending on the individual case, treatment may involve surgery followed by progressive rehabilitation, strength training, and a gradual return to basketball activities under medical supervision.
Recovery timelines vary according to the severity of the injury, treatment approach, individual healing, and the physical demands of professional competition. Players also need to rebuild strength, mobility, balance, and confidence before returning to NBA game conditions.
For Simmons, the next stage will focus on treatment and recovery rather than an immediate return to the court. Sacramento and the player will need to assess his progress through the rehabilitation process before making longer-term decisions about his basketball future.
Latest NBA Achilles Injury News
As of October 19, 2026, Ben Simmons is expected to miss the 2026-27 NBA season after an MRI confirmed a torn right Achilles tendon. The Sacramento Kings face an immediate roster adjustment, while Simmons begins another difficult recovery following a prolonged absence from the league.
The injuries involving Simmons and Hukporti have become significant early-season storylines, while Lillard’s return offers an example of the long rehabilitation that can follow an Achilles tear. For fans following NBA Achilles injury updates, the most important developments to watch will be official medical announcements, rehabilitation progress, and any future updates concerning the players’ availability.