Cruel blow: Simmons tears Achilles before Kings debut

Australian star Ben Simmons has suffered a cruel injury blow, tearing his Achilles tendon at Sacramento Kings practice on Sunday.

The 30-year-old will undergo surgery, a devastating setback days before what was set to be his first NBA regular-season game since April 2025.

Simmons sat out the entire 2025-26 season rehabilitating back and leg injuries before signing a one-year, $US3.5 million deal with the Kings in September.

He had been building steadily through the pre-season, most recently posting 14 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in 26 minutes against San Antonio.

The injury also clouds his hopes of Boomers selection for next year’s FIBA World Cup in Qatar.

"I’ve faced challenges before that tested me mentally, physically, and emotionally, and I’ve found a way through every single one of them. This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story," Simmons said.

"It’s never easy being away from the game I love, especially after everything it took to get back here. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that adversity doesn’t define you. How you respond to it does.

"I've been knocked down before, and I’ve always found a way to get back up. This time will be no different."