- May 21, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
Ben Simmons faces a long road back after tearing his Achilles, an injury expected to cost him the entire 2026/27 season. The 30-year-old has not appeared in an NBA game since April 2025.
Despite the setback, Simmons remains optimistic about his future. "My mentality is that I'll be back," he told Marc J. Spears of Andscape. He plans to "do everything in my power to get back, get healthy and be better than I was before."
The three-time All-Star will begin rehabilitation in Sacramento, where he built a home and found support from the Kings organization. He praised general manager Scott Perry, owner Vivek Ranadive, coach Doug Christie and teammates including Zach LaVine, who has already visited him since the injury.
Simmons acknowledged the mental challenge of his latest recovery, describing a moment where he had to choose between letting the injury hold him down or fighting through it. He believes he remains "capable of playing in this league" and intends to "come back dominant."
The Warriors, Timberwolves and Knicks showed offseason interest, but Sacramento was the only team to offer a contract after watching him work out in Miami.
Mickey's Angle: The Kings took the gamble on Simmons when nobody else would, and now they'll wait to see if that faith pays off down the road. Patience required here.
Source: Hoops Rumors - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.