Ben Simmons' comeback derailed by Achilles tear on eve of NBA season

Australian star sidelined for season; Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels among strong cohort ready to lead

By LineZotpaper

Published19 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources3 outlets

Ben Simmons' long-awaited return to the NBA has been derailed before it could begin, with the Australian star reportedly tearing his Achilles tendon in training just days before the Sacramento Kings' season opener. The injury is expected to rule the 30-year-old out for the entire campaign.

The injury occurred in practice with the Kings, who were scheduled to open their season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday (AEDT). It ends a 538-day absence from the NBA for the three-time All-Star, who sat out the entirety of the previous season recovering physically and mentally.

Reports of the injury surfaced on Monday, just as ESPN was preparing to air a documentary on his return to basketball. Former teammate and NBA All-Star Dwight Howard had forecast it as the 'greatest comeback story in NBA history'. Simmons had expressed hope that a successful stint in the NBA would pave the way for him to play for the Australian Boomers at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Those dreams will have to be put on hold.

The injury is a blow to one of the strongest Australian storylines in the NBA this season, but a deep cohort of Australian players remains. Josh Giddey, 24, enters his sixth season with the Chicago Bulls, whose teenage rookie Caleb Wilson is expected to mesh perfectly with Giddey's lob-passing. Dyson Daniels, 23, remains one of the NBA's elite defenders for an improving Atlanta Hawks team. Jock Landale, 30, should have a meaty role in the Hawks' big-man rotation.

Tyrese Proctor, 22, made a strong start for the Cleveland Cavaliers but faces stiff competition behind James Harden and Donovan Mitchell. Johnny Furphy, 21, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in February and hopes to return mid-season for the Indiana Pacers. Josh Green, 25, had a wild off-season, traded twice before landing with the Utah Jazz. Duop Reath, 30, linked with the Phoenix Suns on a one-year deal, while 221-cm big man Rocco Zikarsky, 20, continues his development with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Analysis

Why This Matters

End of a comeback narrative: The documentary and Dwight Howard's hype are now moot. Simmons' future in the NBA faces serious uncertainty.
Olympic setback: Simmons' stated goal of playing for the Boomers in 2028 is heavily compromised by the lengthy recovery timeline.
Changing of the guard: While Simmons is sideline, the focus shifts to the deepest pool of Australian NBA talent in history, led by Giddey and Daniels.

Background

Ben Simmons was selected first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He won Rookie of the Year and made three All-Star teams before a dramatic falling out with the 76ers led to a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. Years of back injuries and mental health battles limited his play, leading to a 538-day absence from competitive basketball. He spent his year off recovering and taking up competitive fishing before signing with the Sacramento Kings to restart his career.

Key Perspectives

Ben Simmons: Faces the daunting prospect of a major recovery at age 30, with his personal comeback journey halted by an unavoidable physical setback. The Australian NBA Cohort: Players like Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels and Tyrese Proctor are entering crucial seasons and are positioned to carry the Australian banner in the league. Critics/Skeptics: Given Simmons' extensive injury history and limited game time in recent years, questions will persist about whether he can ever return to his previous All-Star form.

What to Watch

The official confirmation and detailed timeline of the Achilles recovery.
How the Kings adjust their rotation and roster plan for the season opener.
The performance of Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels, who are now the leading faces of Australian basketball in the NBA.

Sources

Ben Simmons was on the verge of an NBA comeback after 538 days. A serious injury has derailed it · Brisbane Times - Latest News
Ben Simmons was on the verge of an NBA comeback after 538 days. A serious injury has derailed it · WA Today - Latest News
Ben Simmons was on the verge of an NBA comeback after 538 days. A serious injury has derailed it · Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 5 supported.

Show each claim

Partly supportedBen Simmons’ comeback was derailed by an Achilles tear on the eve of the NBA season.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback season has been derailed after the Australian star reportedly tore his Achilles tendon in training, just days away from what loomed as his first game for the Sacramento Kings.”
Partly supportedSimmons is sidelined for the entire season.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “The injury is expected to rule the 30-year-old out for the entire season”
Partly supportedJosh Giddey and Dyson Daniels are among a strong Australian cohort ready to lead.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “The injury is a blow to not only Simmons personally, but one of the strongest Australian storylines in the NBA this season. Here’s a closer look at nine of the other players who will suit up in the league.”
SupportedSimmons reportedly tore his Achilles in training just days before Sacramento’s season opener.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback season has been derailed after the Australian star reportedly tore his Achilles tendon in training, just days away from what loomed as his first game for the Sacramento Kings.”
SupportedThe injury is expected to rule the 30-year-old Simmons out for the entire campaign.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “The injury is expected to rule the 30-year-old out for the entire season”
Partly supportedThe injury occurred in practice with the Kings.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “According to reports on Monday (AEDT), Simmons suffered the injury in practice with the Kings”
Sources say otherwiseThe injury ends Simmons’ 538-day absence from the NBA.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “But those dreams will have to be put on hold, with his 538-day absence from the NBA set to continue a while longer.”
Partly supportedSimmons missed the previous season while recovering physically and mentally.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Simmons sat out all of last season as he spent the year recovering physically and even turning his hand to competitive fishing”
SupportedDwight Howard forecast Simmons’ return as the “greatest comeback story in NBA history”.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “former teammate and NBA All-Star Dwight Howard had forecast as the “greatest comeback story in NBA history””
SupportedSimmons hoped a successful NBA stint would help him play for the Boomers at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “He had also expressed hope that a successful stint in the NBA would pave the way for him to play for the Australian Boomers at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”
SupportedJosh Giddey, 24, enters his sixth season with the Chicago Bulls.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “Josh Giddey Age: 24. Team: Chicago Bulls. Wage: $US25m. Seasons: Six.”
Partly supportedJohnny Furphy hopes to return mid-season after rupturing his ACL in February.Brisbane Times - Latest News: “he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in February. Furphy is making good progress in his recovery and the Pacers hope he can return in mid-season.”