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Achilles tear abruptly ends Ben Simmons' NBA and Australian national team comebacks

Ben Simmons’ highly anticipated NBA and Australian national team comebacks were derailed Sunday after he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a Sacramento Kings practice session. The injury, which will require surgery and a lengthy recovery of six to 12 months, ends Simmons’ preseason run that had seen him poised to start the Kings’ regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The former No. 1 overall pick had been limited to just 107 games over the past five seasons due to injuries, including a full season missed in 2021–22 with a back issue and another in 2025–26 focused on recovery and mental health.

His return this year on a one-year, non-guaranteed $3.5 million contract had reignited hopes of reclaiming his All-Star form, though his preseason production had been modest compared to his rookie-year dominance, when he won NBA Rookie of the Year honors as the only player alongside Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson to reach 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists in a debut season.

Beyond basketball, Simmons had also been preparing for Australia’s 2027 FIBA World Cup and 2028 Olympics, marking his first potential appearance in a major international tournament. His involvement in the national team’s player-driven minicamp in Melbourne earlier this year underscored his dual pursuit of NBA and international play.

Meanwhile, Simmons had faced scrutiny off the court after an off-air media day conversation in August, where female reporters openly criticized his personality and appearance, calling him ‘cringe’ and ‘lucky he’s so fine.’ Simmons declined to address the remarks directly but publicly supported teammate Zach LaVine, who was also criticized in the exchange. The Kings have confirmed the surgery timeline, leaving Simmons’ immediate future uncertain as he navigates yet another setback in a career marked by resilience despite frequent injuries.

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