Overview
- Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon in a Kings practice on Oct. 18 and underwent surgery two days later, a setback that will sideline him for the coming season.
- He signed a one-year, roughly $3.5–$3.6 million deal with Sacramento this summer and had shown promise in preseason play before the injury, averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in limited minutes.
- The Kings will provide medical care and a rehab base in Sacramento, and Simmons said the organization’s leadership and teammates have been supportive during his recovery.
- Simmons told Andscape he remains determined to return, calling himself a 'unicorn' and vowing to 'do everything in my power' to come back healthier and better than before.
- ESPN/Andscape filmed post-injury footage for an epilogue to the Being Ben documentary, and the injury reshapes Sacramento’s rotation while leaving his longer-term availability uncertain because Achilles repairs typically require many months of rehab.