PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 10: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 10, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Former Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons has been working on a comeback with the Sacramento Kings.
After a strong two-game showing in the NBA preseason, the hoops world looked forward to seeing if Simmons could return to his Sixers form.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 16: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Wells Fargo Center on June 16, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, Simmons suffered an injury ahead of opening night. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, it is believed that Simmons suffered a major injury.
“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,” Charania said.
From Philly To Sacramento: Ben Simmons’ NBA Journey
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Ben Simmons #25 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a picture during the Kings Media Day at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The 30-year-old entered the NBA in 2016. At the time, Simmons was the No. 1 pick out of LSU.
He joined a young and rebuilding Sixers team that was ready to turn it around. Although Simmons missed his first year with an injury, he dominated during his debut season and won Rookie of the Year.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 11: Ben Simmons #25 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers react during the second half of game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at State Farm Arena on June 11, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Throughout his first four playing seasons with the Sixers, Simmons was an All-Star. In 275 games, he posted averages of 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game.
Simmons was a triple-double threat, and also established himself as one of the best defenders in the league. After a holdout from the Sixers in 2021-2022, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. His fresh start in New York would last just three seasons.
After reaching a buyout with the Nets in 2025, Simmons joined the Los Angeles Clippers to play a reserve role for their playoff run. In 18 games, he averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
Simmons took the 2025-2026 NBA season off to get healthier. He worked his way back onto the court for the 2026-2027 season, spending the preseason with the Sacramento Kings. Simmons planned to start for the Kings for his comeback season. Instead, he’s likely to miss more time to recover.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA/NFL reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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Former Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons has been working on a comeback with the Sacramento Kings. After a strong two-game showing in the NBA preseason, the hoops world looked forward to seeing if Simmons could return to his Sixers form. Unfortunately, Simmons suffered an injury ahead of opening night. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, it […]
