Source : ABC NEWS
Ben Simmons’s burgeoning NBA comeback has been halted after he suffered a torn Achilles during practice just days out from the season-opener.
The Australian had shown promising signs during the Sacramento Kings’ pre-season contests after spending all of last season away from the NBA.
According to a Kings release, Simmons was injured during a live drill before an MRI scan revealed a torn right Achilles tendon. Simmons will undergo surgery.
The 30-year-old’s career has been derailed by injuries over the past five years. Prior to his injury issues, Simmons made three NBA All-Star teams and was considered one of the best defensive players in the league.
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Simmons signed a one-year deal with the Kings last month.
After playing 81 of 82 regular-season games in his rookie season, Simmons’s durability has gradually waned.
He has not played in excess of 60 regular season games since the 2018-19 season, and he managed just 50 in his most recent NBA season with the Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers in 2024-25.
Simmons recently detailed his career and his comeback attempt in an ESPN documentary where he hit back at critics who said he did not love basketball.
“Everyone has their thing that they love and they have passion for, and basketball is that passion for me,” he said.
“All these people talk about I don’t love the game. That’s bullshit.
“I’ve played through the injuries. I’ve broken my foot, I’ve rehabbed, I’ve had multiple back surgeries. I’ve been through it all.
“If I didn’t love the game, trust me, I would be at home, I’d be fishing … but I love this shit.”
The NBA regular season kicks off on Wednesday morning AEDT when the Detroit Pistons host the Boston Celtics. Sacramento’s season opener takes place in Los Angeles against the Clippers on Thursday afternoon.
