NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 03: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before a preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center on October 03, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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)
Astrong final NBA preseason performance for Ben Simmons was quickly followed up by the worst news possible.
The former Philadelphia 76ers guard went down with an injury just days before the official start of his comeback season.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on January 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
On October 17, former Sixers big man showed plenty of support for Simmons’ comeback attempt, stating that the three-time All-Star would have “the greatest comeback story in NBA history.”
The story reaches another difficult obstacle. On October 18, Howard took to X to react to Simmons’ bad news.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 26: Ben Simmons #25 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against Matas Buzelis #14 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on February 26, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The last time Simmons played in a non-preseason NBA game was during the Los Angeles Clippers’ 2025 playoff run.
Simmons appeared in five games during the first-round series, and hit the free agency market the following summer. Simmons had teams interested, but ultimately decided to take time off at the start of the year.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Barclays Center on November 19, 2024 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images)
While Simmons mentioned that he would be open to joining a team after the mid-season All-Star break, the veteran guard ended up taking the entire 2025-2026 NBA season off. He looked forward to getting fully healthy and putting together a comeback effort in 2026-2027.
The Kings were impressed by Simmons’ offseason work this year and gave him a shot. The veteran guard had a one-year contract and a chance to be a starter for the season. Just days before the opener, he’s back on a recovery timeline.
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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Astrong final NBA preseason performance for Ben Simmons was quickly followed up by the worst news possible.The former Philadelphia 76ers guard went down with an injury just days before the official start of his comeback season.Simmons was diagnosed with an Achilles tear. His 2026-2027 NBA season will end before it got a chance to begin.On […]
