Ben Simmons has suffered a season-ending injury after tearing his right Achilles tendon during a practice session with the Sacramento Kings, the team confirmed Monday. The injury occurred during a live drill ahead of the Kings’ opening game against the Los Angeles Clippers scheduled for Wednesday night.

Simmons, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and previously played for the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets, had been attempting a comeback after missing significant time due to previous injuries and off-court issues. The Kings announced that Simmons will require surgery to repair the torn tendon, effectively ending his participation for the entire 2026-2027 NBA season before it even began.

The timing of the injury is particularly significant as the Kings had expected Simmons to play a key role in their backcourt rotation this season. His absence leaves Sacramento without an experienced point guard as they prepare to face one of the league’s playoff contenders in their season opener.

This setback marks the latest chapter in Simmons' injury-plagued career. Prior to signing with the Kings last offseason, Simmons missed much of the previous seasons due to a combination of mental health concerns and lingering physical issues. The Achilles injury is a major blow to his hopes of reestablishing himself as a prominent NBA player. The team has not yet provided a timeline for his recovery beyond the immediate need for surgery.