NBA Star Ben Simmons Suffers Devastating Achilles Tear, Faces Surgery

Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons has sustained a torn Achilles tendon and will undergo surgery, an injury that is likely to end his season. The team announced the news on Sunday, confirming the severity of the setback for the 30-year-old three-time All-Star, who had an impressive training camp on short notice for Sacramento. The injury tragically occurred during a live drill at Sunday's practice.

Simmons had only recently agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings on September 4. At the time of the deal, the 6-foot-10, 240-pound guard was healthy and had significantly impressed Kings general manager Scott Perry during a workout in Miami. This initial meeting, which included an hour-long discussion in late August, was followed by a visit to Sacramento, where Simmons further impressed coach Doug Christie and other members of the basketball staff during an in-depth medical exam and an on-court workout at the team's practice facility.

The Kings had signed Simmons with the expectation that he would serve as a backup point guard for rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and possess the versatility to play all five positions. He was viewed as a high-upside reclamation project, still with years left in what was considered his prospective prime. Prior to his injury, Simmons had participated in two preseason games for the Kings, where he averaged 10.5 points in 17.5 minutes.

In response to the injury, Simmons shared a statement on social media, reflecting on his journey and resilience. "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. He added, "This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story." He further emphasized his mindset, stating, "It's never easy being away from the game I love, especially after everything it took to get back here. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that adversity doesn't define you. How you respond to it does."