The Sacramento Kings recently confirmed that guard Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon during live contact training on Sunday as the team prepared for the new season, and he will undergo surgery. The injury has suddenly cast a shadow over the comeback plans of the three-time All-Star.
How did the injury occur?
According to the team, Simmons was injured during Sunday's preseason training session, which involved live contact drills in preparation for the regular season. The team has only confirmed that his right Achilles tendon tore and that surgery is required, without releasing details of the moment of injury or the surgery schedule, nor has it stated the expected length of his absence.
How had his comeback journey been unfolding?
The 30-year-old Simmons had just recovered from back surgery and signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings on September 4. After signing, his performance in training camp impressed General Manager Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie, who had originally planned to use him as the team's versatile playmaking hub, capable of defending positions 1 through 5, while also serving as a backup option for rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. In two preseason games, Simmons averaged 17.5 minutes per game and scored 10.5 points.
How did Simmons respond?
Facing this setback, Simmons released a statement via social media. He noted that he had faced mental, physical, and emotional challenges before, but had always found ways to overcome them, and he viewed this injury as a chapter in his journey rather than the end of the story. He also expressed that leaving the court he loves is never easy, especially after all the twists and turns it took to return to the team; however, he believes that what truly defines a person is not the adversity they face, but how they face it.
What impact will this have on the Kings' roster?
The team has not yet announced a specific timeline for Simmons' absence, nor has it indicated whether he will miss the entire season as a result. The injury has disrupted Doug Christie's original plans for backcourt rotation and defensive alignment, and whether the Kings will adjust their roster or pursue reinforcements remains to be seen.
