Australia’s Ben Simmons has suffered a suspected ruptured Achilles in a devastating blow to his NBA comeback bid.
The 30-year-old former No.1 draft pick sat out last season to focus on his physical and mental health but linked up with the Sacramento Kings for the 2026-27 campaign.
His pre-season performances offered cause for optimism but he has now gone down just days before the season opener.
“Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons is believed to have sustained a torn Achilles tendon at practice (on) Sunday,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
“A suspected season-ending injury for Simmons after rejuvenated and impressive training camp and preseason performances.”
The news floored the NBA community, which has long held out hope that Simmons could return or surpass the heights that made him a three-time All-Star.
“I’ve officially seen it all...” wrote veteran journalist Marc Spears.
“Man, Achilles suck for anyone, but absolutely devastating for a guy trying to work his way back into the league. Awful news,” wrote Derek Bodner, who covered Simmons during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Marc Stein said: “Devastating in Sacramento for Ben Simmons to sustain such a serious injury just as he was about to make his official NBA comeback.”
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If an Achilles tear is confirmed it would be the third already this month following Philadelphia’s Ariel Hukporti and Oklahoma City’s Otega Oweh.
The injury puts Simmons’ long-term future back under threat after only signing a one-year deal with the Kings.
He last played an NBA game in April 2025 with the Los Angeles Clippers following a trade from the Brooklyn Nets.
His NBA comeback was also motivated by his hopes of joining the Boomers for the 2027 World Cup, which would now appear a bridge too far.
Simmons was injured on the same day ESPN released a documentary on his career and comeback bid, as well as last year’s move into professional fishing.
He is the third player to suffer a ruptured Achilles in the NBA pre-season.
German former Australian NBL player Ariel Hukporti, who was part of the New York Knicks’ championship-winning team last season before joining Philadelphia, also sustained the injury, as did Oklahoma City’s Otega Oweh.