{
  "id": 15765736,
  "title": "Kings rumors: NBA insider reveals detail about Ben Simmons’ Achilles injury that makes it even more heartbreaking",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/kings-rumors-nba-insider-reveals-detail-about-ben-simmons-achilles",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-20T16:28:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kings-rumors-nba-insider-reveals-162842262.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former NBA draft pick Ben Simmons was set to return to the league following a brief stint with the Clippers during the 2024-2025 season, but he suffered a devastating Achilles tendon tear during a Sunday practice, necessitating season-ending surgery. Recent developments surrounding Simmons' recovery and potential return to the court have only added to the heartache of his injury. In an appearance on NBA Today, ESPN and Andscape's Marc Spears revealed a troubling detail that further complicates the situation. Just hours before the documentary chronicling Simmons' career and his return to basketball was set to air, the star player texted Spears with enthusiasm about sharing his perspective. Unfortunately, this elation was short-lived, as Simmons suffered the injury during a scrimmage. Surgeons in New York City will perform the procedure, and the Kings organization has pledged support for Simmons throughout his recovery, including financially, operationally, and through their General Manager's involvement. Despite the team's efforts, it will be a difficult journey for Simmons, as he had been among the best players on the Kings, with Doug Christie even suggesting he would be a future captain. In a statement on social media, Simmons acknowledged past challenges that tested his mental, physical, and emotional fortitude, emphasizing that this injury represents just another chapter in his ongoing journey.",
  "summary": "Former #1 pick Ben Simmons was preparing to return to the NBA after a stint with the Clippers in the 2024-2025 season, but he tore his Achilles tendon at a Sunday practice, forcing season-ending surgery. Now more news is coming out about Simmons’ return that makes the injury update even more heartbreaking. ESPN and Andscape’s Marc Spears recently […] The post Kings rumors: NBA insider reveals…",
  "key_points": [
    "Ben Simmons suffered Achilles tendon tear during practice.",
    "Marc Spears revealed detail on NBA Today that complicates situation.",
    "Kings organization pledged support for Simmons' recovery."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}