Ben Simmons tears Achilles tendon and faces season-ending surgery

Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons has suffered a torn Achilles tendon and will require surgery, the team confirmed on Sunday, in a blow that is expected to end his season before it has properly begun.

The injury is a cruel setback for the 30-year-old veteran, who had impressed during training camp despite arriving in Sacramento on short notice. Simmons had been widely credited with producing strong showings in the pre-season period, raising expectations that he could make a meaningful contribution to the Kings this year.

A torn Achilles is one of the most serious injuries in professional sport and typically requires many months of rehabilitation before a player can return to competitive action. For Simmons, the road back is likely to stretch well beyond the current campaign.

The Australian guard has endured a difficult few years, having missed significant playing time previously due to a back injury while with the Brooklyn Nets. His promising training camp with Sacramento had suggested he might finally be turning a corner, making Sunday's announcement all the more disappointing for the player and the club alike.