Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon during Sacramento Kings practice on Sunday, according to the team's confirmation reported by NBA.com. The injury happened in a live drill only days before the new NBA season.
Operation required
The Kings said Simmons would need surgery. ESPN first reported the injury, with the team confirmation identifying the affected tendon as the right Achilles. The quoted team information does not provide a date for his return.
Sacramento is scheduled to open its season on Wednesday night on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers. The injury therefore came three days before the first regular-season game. The need for surgery does not establish that the operation has already happened or set a precise recovery period.
Two preseason appearances after joining Sacramento
Simmons signed a one-year deal with the Kings during the offseason, agreeing to a veteran-minimum contract in September. He appeared in two preseason games for Sacramento, averaging 10.5 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Those performances were part of the preparation period rather than the regular season. His practice injury interrupts that preparation just as Sacramento was approaching its opener against the Clippers.
The Kings are coming off a 22–60 season and are rebuilding around rookie Darius Acuff Jr. He was selected seventh overall in the 2026 NBA Draft after his freshman season at Arkansas.
For Simmons, the immediate next step is treatment following the confirmed Achilles injury. A specific return schedule was not included in the team information quoted in the report.