Ben Simmons tears Achilles before planned NBA comeback

Sacramento Kings player Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon during practice on Sunday and will require surgery, the club said.

An MRI confirmed the injury. ESPN reporter Shams Charania said the Australian would miss the entire upcoming season.

Simmons had been preparing to return after a year away from the NBA. He missed the 2025/26 campaign while recovering from health problems and signed a one-year deal with Sacramento in September. His previous teams were the Philadelphia Sixers, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.

The 30-year-old was Philadelphia's top overall draft pick in 2016. He won Rookie of the Year for 2017/18 and has made three NBA All-Star appearances. His career averages are 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game.