Ben Simmons suffers potentially season-ending injury at practice

Ben Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles during the Sacramento Kings' practice on Sunday, potentially ending his season.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Oct 18, 2026, 4:22 PM Updated: 4:23 pm

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 10: Ben Simmons #25 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court...

Ben Simmons #25 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court during the second half of the preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 10, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Godofredo A. Vásquez/Getty Images)

(Photo by Godofredo A. Vásquez/Getty Images)

Ben Simmons’ season may be over before it even began. The former No. 1 overall pick was injured during a live drill in Sunday’s practice, with an MRI later revealing a torn right Achilles tendon, the Sacramento Kings announced.

The team held practice Sunday, two days after their preseason finale, in which Simmons played 26 minutes in San Antonio. Media members weren’t allowed in until practice concluded and only saw individual work afterward. Team staff, Christie and the players who spoke (Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine) did not mention the injury to local reporters present.

ESPN’s Shams Charania was the first to report Simmons’ injury and called it a “suspected season-ending injury.”

Just in: Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons is believed to have sustained a torn Achilles tendon at practice Sunday, sources tell ESPN. A suspected season-ending injury for Simmons after rejuvenated and impressive training camp and preseason performances. https://t.co/v4HBvCbgQF

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 18, 2026

Moments later, the Kings announced the injury but didn’t provide a timeline. “Simmons will undergo surgery. Further updates will be provided as appropriate,” they said in the press release.

The Sacramento Kings just announced that Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles.

No timeline provided. https://t.co/AbDWBclBAb

— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) October 18, 2026

After a one-season absence from the NBA, Simmons’ return on a one-year deal became one of Sacramento’s biggest storylines, drawing national intrigue.

Simmons appeared to be positioning himself for a meaningful role in Sacramento’s rotation. His size, defense, and playmaking gave Christie another versatile option as the Kings prepared for the regular season.

Head coach Doug Christie previously said the team and Simmons aimed for him to play all 82 games in 2026-27. His lengthy injury history is well documented, but this is a new and particularly unfortunate setback just as his NBA comeback was beginning.

It’s a heartbreaking turn of events for Simmons and the Kings.