Ben Simmons on devastating injury: ‘Not the end of my story’

Ben Simmons had worked his way back to the NBA and into the Kings’ plans. Now he faces another lengthy recovery, just days before the season begins.

Simmons is suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Sunday’s practice. The injury is expected to end his season following an encouraging training camp and preseason.

Simmons addressed the setback in an Instagram statement, making clear he intends to keep playing.

“I’ve faced challenges before that tested me mentally, physically, and emotionally, and I’ve found a way through every single one of them,” Simmons wrote. “This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story.”

The former No. 1 overall pick had been making a case for a significant role with Sacramento after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season. His passing, defensive versatility and size gave coach Doug Christie options the Kings were still working to fit together.

Instead, Simmons will have to start another comeback.

“It’s never easy being away from the game I love, especially after everything it took to get back here,” he wrote. “But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that adversity doesn’t define you. How you respond to it does.”

The news arrived the same day ESPN debuted Being Ben, a documentary about Simmons’ efforts to return to the league. What was supposed to be a celebration of that work became a particularly difficult day.

For the Kings, it adds to an already challenging start. They went 0-5 in the preseason and are also dealing with injuries to big men Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell.

Simmons’ absence leaves Christie with fewer options to handle the ball and defend bigger opponents. Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. was already expected to carry considerable responsibility in the backcourt, and Sacramento must now sort out a rotation without a player who had been one of its more encouraging preseason developments.

Simmons signed a one-year contract, leaving his future with the Kings uncertain. His message Sunday, though, was about returning to the court.

“I’ve been knocked down before, and I’ve always found a way to get back up,” he wrote. “This time will be no different.”