Verified

Sacramento Kings Guard Faces Season-End After Practice Injury

r/Sports •
Darom AI October 19, 2026
Sacramento Kings Guard Faces Season-End After Practice Injury

Sacramento Kings Guard Faces Season-End After Practice Injury

Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a live practice drill on Sunday, October 18, 2026, abruptly halting his anticipated NBA return just days before the start of the regular season.

An MRI confirmed the extent of the damage, and franchise officials announced that Simmons will undergo surgery. According to reports from ESPN and team sources, the injury is expected to sideline the 30-year-old veteran for the entirety of the 2026–27 campaign.

The setback deals a heavy blow to both Simmons and the Kings' roster depth. Sacramento signed Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million contract in September, bringing him aboard as a high-upside acquisition following a rigorous rehabilitation period.

Immediate Impact on the Kings

The timing of the injury leaves Sacramento scrambling to adjust its rotation immediately ahead of its opening-night matchup. Team management has not yet established a definitive recovery timetable beyond confirming the upcoming surgical procedure and noting that additional updates will be released as appropriate.

Because the injury occurred prior to the regular season and has been deemed season-ending, Simmons is guaranteed his full salary under league provisions. Head coach Doug Christie and the coaching staff must now pivot their rotation strategy, relying on alternative depth pieces and two-way roster elevations to cover the minutes initially earmarked for the veteran guard-forward.

Background and Context

Simmons, a former No. 1 overall draft pick and three-time All-Star, missed the entire 2025–26 season while recovering from a series of back and leg surgeries. Seeking to revive his career, he participated in two preseason games for Sacramento, averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, and showed encouraging progress during training camp.

Following the diagnosis, Simmons addressed the development regarding his rehabilitation and the challenges he has faced throughout his career.

Fact Check Analysis AI Verified
--- > **Claim:** Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a live practice drill on Sunday, October 18, 2026. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Search evidence confirms that Ben Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a live practice drill on Sunday, October 18, 2026. [nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7702805/2026/10/18/ben-simmons-achilles-injury-kings/) --- --- > **Claim:** An MRI confirmed the extent of the damage, and franchise officials announced that Simmons will undergo surgery. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Reports confirm that an MRI confirmed the tear and that the team announced he would undergo surgery. [espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/50214131/kings-simmons-believed-achilles-tendon-tear) --- --- > **Claim:** The injury is expected to sideline the 30-year-old veteran for the entirety of the 2026–27 campaign. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** It is confirmed that the season-ending injury will sideline him for the entirety of the 2026–27 season. [nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/kings-ben-simmons-suffers-torn-achilles-at-practice-sunday-will-miss-entire-season) --- --- > **Claim:** Sacramento signed Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million contract in September. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Sources confirm that Simmons signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings in September 2026. [upi.com](https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NBA/2026/09/04/Sacramento-Kings-Ben-Simmons-one-year-deal/9711788539453/) --- --- > **Claim:** Simmons is guaranteed his full salary under league provisions because the injury occurred prior to the regular season and has been deemed season-ending. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Under standard NBA labor provisions regarding preseason season-ending injuries, players are guaranteed their applicable salary. [hoopsrumors.com](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/ben-simmons) --- --- > **Claim:** Doug Christie is the Head Coach of the Sacramento Kings. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Doug Christie serves as the head coach of the Sacramento Kings. [sacbee.com](https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article317183137.html) --- --- > **Claim:** Simmons missed the entire 2025–26 season while recovering from a series of back and leg surgeries. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Records show Simmons missed the 2025–26 season while undergoing rehabilitation following back and leg procedures. [usatoday.com](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/kings/2026/10/18/ben-simmons-injury-update-kings-achilles/92322933007/) --- --- > **Claim:** Simmons participated in two preseason games for Sacramento, averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Statistics from the 2026 preseason confirm that Simmons played in two games and averaged 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. [basketball.com.au](https://www.basketball.com.au/news/nba-preseason-2026-27-australians-fixtures-aussie-v-aussie) ---

AI Research Queries

  • 🔍 Ben Simmons Sacramento Kings contract September 2026 salary
  • 🔍 Ben Simmons torn Achilles injury practice Sacramento Kings October 2026
  • 🔍 Ben Simmons missed 2025-26 season back leg surgeries
  • 🔍 Ben Simmons Sacramento Kings preseason stats 2026 points rebounds assists

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!