Ben Simmons Tears Achilles in Kings Practice, Ending a Short Comeback

Ben Simmons Tears Achilles Tendon in Kings Practice

Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons has a torn Achilles tendon and will undergo surgery, the team announced Sunday, ESPN reported. The injury happened during a live drill at Sunday's practice. ESPN described it as likely season-ending for the 30-year-old, a three-time All-Star.

Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract on Sept. 4 after a workout and an hourlong meeting with general manager Scott Perry in Miami, and after a visit to Sacramento for a medical exam and on-court session. Per ESPN, the Kings expected him to be a backup point guard for rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and to play positions 1 through 5.

This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story.

Simmons played two preseason games for Sacramento and averaged 10.5 points in 17.5 minutes, ESPN reported. ESPN said he impressed coach Doug Christie and the staff during camp.

Our Read: What the Simmons Injury Means for the Kings

This section is our reading of the reported facts, not a statement from the team or from ESPN.

• The cost to the team is small, by design. A $3.5 million, one-year contract for a reclamation project limits the financial hit. The loss is in options, not in money.
• The role was a depth role. Simmons was slotted behind a rookie starter, so the injury tests the backup spot more than the starting lineup. It also leaves Acuff with fewer veterans beside him while he learns the position.
• The versatility is the hard part to replace. The Kings planned to use him at positions 1 through 5. A conventional backup guard fills a slot, but does not give Christie the same lineup flexibility.
• The evidence cuts both ways on his value. Two preseason games and a short camp are a small sample, and positive reviews of a workout do not show how he would have held up over 82 games.

What we cannot say is how big a hole this leaves. That depends on how Acuff plays and on who Sacramento turns to behind him, and neither is known yet.

What to Watch for the Kings Guard Rotation

• Who Christie names as the backup point guard once the regular season starts.
• How many minutes Acuff plays, since he now has fewer veteran options behind him.
• Whether Sacramento signs a replacement or fills the spot from the current roster.
• Any update from the team on Simmons's surgery date and recovery timeline.

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