Ben Simmons’ injury changes everything before Kings’ season opener

The Sacramento Kings suffered a devastating blow just days before the start of the regular season, as Ben Simmons tore his Achilles during practice and will miss the entire 2026-27 season.

For Matt George, the news was difficult to process.

On the latest episode of Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast on Sactown Sports, George focused first on what the injury means for Simmons, who had worked tirelessly to return to the NBA after stepping away from the game and dealing with several injuries throughout his career.

“No way to sugarcoat it,” George said. “This absolutely sucks.”

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)

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Simmons had impressed throughout Kings training camp and appeared ready to make an impact after signing with Sacramento during the offseason.

George noted that Simmons was reportedly as healthy as he had looked since entering the NBA, and the Kings had quickly shown how important they believed he could be to their plans.

Simmons appeared in only two preseason games before suffering the Achilles injury.

“I just my heart breaks for Ben, man, knowing all the work that he’s put in,” George said.

The injury is particularly cruel because it happened during a live practice drill just three days before Sacramento’s regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Ben Simmons had been preparing for his return to meaningful NBA basketball after missing the previous season as he looked to fully recover from previous back injuries that impacted his play.

George also questioned whether Simmons will be able to return to the NBA at all.

“I hope this is not the last we see of Ben Simmons,” George said. “I hope that he is able to play NBA basketball again.”

SAN ANTONIO, TX -OCTOBER 16: Ben Simmons #25 of the Sacramento Kings drives by Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of a preseason game at Frost Bank Center on October 16, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

While Simmons’ recovery will understandably be the primary concern, his absence creates significant problems for a Kings team that already entered the season with questions surrounding its roster.

Simmons was expected to provide Sacramento with another ball-handler, floor general and versatile defender while allowing rookie Darius Acuff Jr. to play more frequently off the ball. Now, Acuff is back in the driver’s seat as the Kings’ primary playmaker.

George believes that could place significant pressure on the rookie.

“Darius Acuff Jr. is right back to having the full load of playmaking responsibilities on this team,” George said. “It is all on him.”

The Kings are also suddenly extremely thin in the frontcourt with Simmons, Maxime Raynaud (knee) and Dylan Cardwell (calf) all unavailable. George believes Precious Achiuwa will become particularly important as Sacramento attempts to fill the void.

The Kings now have just days to figure out a new rotation before opening the season Wednesday night against the Clippers in Los Angeles.

For George, though, the basketball questions can wait.

“I hope that he is able to play NBA basketball again,” George said of Simmons. “And I wonder if it’s going to be in a Kings uniform or if it’s going to be for another team in the future.”

Listen to all episodes of The Matt George Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Kenny Caraway wants to see an aggressive Zach LaVine
• Turner: Sacramento Kings need to find a role for Emanuel Sharp

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Wednesday, October 21st @ Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 23rd vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, October 25th vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)

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