The three-time NBA All-Star tore his Achilles tendon during a live drill at Sunday’s practice and will undergo surgery, the team announced. The injury is likely to end his season, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
Simmons, 30, signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Sacramento in September and had made a strong impression during training camp. He averaged 10.5 points in 17.5 minutes across two preseason appearances.
“I’ve faced challenges before that tested me mentally, physically and emotionally, and I’ve found a way through every single one of them,” Simmons wrote on social media. “This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story.”
The Kings envisioned Simmons backing up rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. while contributing at multiple positions. His workouts and meetings with general manager Scott Perry and coach Doug Christie helped secure that opportunity.
His influence apparently extended beyond his play. Andscape’s Marc J. Spears even said on ESPN that he believed Christie was close to naming Simmons a team captain. That was not an announced decision.
Spears also reported that Simmons is expected to remain around the Kings during his recovery and has received support throughout the organization.
“It’s never easy being away from the game I love, especially after everything it took to get back here,” Simmons wrote. “But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that adversity doesn’t define you. How you respond to it does.”
