This one hurts, Sacramento. An MRI has confirmed a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon for Ben Simmons, Shams Charania reports. The injury happened at practice on Sunday, and it is now official. His season is over before it even starts.

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Charania called it a devastating turn of events on the eve of his NBA return after rehabilitating from back surgeries. He is right. Nobody in this league hears the words torn Achilles and reaches for the calendar looking for hope.

That is what makes this so cruel. Simmons came into camp rejuvenated and backed it up, an impressive training camp and a preseason that had people believing the bounce, the pace and the playmaking were all the way back.

One practice took it. Sacramento loses its big guard on the eve of the season, and Simmons is staring at the longest rehab in the sport, again, right when his story was turning.

I hate this for the man. He fought his way back and earned his spot again. Heal up, Ben. The league is better with you in it.

Key Facts

  • Player: Ben Simmons, Sacramento Kings guard, No. 25.
  • Injury: Torn right Achilles tendon, suffered at practice Sunday.
  • Outlook: Season-ending, confirmed by MRI, per Shams Charania.
  • Context: Simmons had been rejuvenated and impressive through training camp and the preseason, on the eve of his NBA return after rehabilitating from back surgeries.
  • Status: Confirmed by MRI on Sunday.

VIA Shams Charania, ESPN.

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