Ben Simmons' fans were so ready for this. After a full year away from the NBA, the three-time All-Star was days from his big return with the Sacramento Kings. Then came the news nobody wanted: Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon in practice on Sunday, October 18, and is expected to miss the entire 2026-27 season, according to NBC Sports.

But if you were worried the setback would break his spirit, his own words will put a smile on your face.

What happened at practice

The Kings announced that Simmons got hurt during a live drill. "An MRI revealed the torn right Achilles tendon and Simmons will undergo surgery. Further updates will be provided as appropriate," the team said, as quoted by USA Today.

The timing stings. The Guardian, carrying an Australian Associated Press report, notes the injury came just three days before Sacramento's season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers. USA Today reports that game is on Wednesday, October 21.

"Not the end of my story"

Simmons didn't hide. He confirmed the news himself in an Instagram story on Sunday evening, and his message was all heart. Here it is, as reported by NBC Sports and The Guardian:

"I've faced challenges before that tested me mentally, physically, and emotionally, and I've found a way through every single one of them. This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story."

"It's never easy being away from the game I love, especially after everything it took to get back here. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that adversity doesn't define you. How you respond to it does. I've been knocked down before, and I've always found a way to get back up. This time will be no different."

Honestly? That is a champion's mindset.

The comeback everyone was rooting for

This was supposed to be Simmons' fresh start. He sat out all of the 2025-26 season to rehab his body after years of back problems and other injuries, USA Today reports. He then signed a one-year deal with the Kings, worth $3.5 million according to ESPN, as cited by USA Today.

The buzz was real. NBC Sports says reports out of Sacramento had been "overwhelmingly positive" and that Simmons, 30, was expected to start on opening night. During training camp, he told USA Today what he planned to bring: "Coming to work hard, play the game I know how to play. Communicate, and just lead. Lead how I know how to. So it's been good. We're locked in, focused."

Some of the game's biggest names were cheering him on, too. The Guardian reports that Dwight Howard posted on X last week, "Ben Simmons going to have the greatest comeback story in NBA history!" Blake Griffin added that Simmons is "a special talent and I think the league is better off with a guy like him in it."

A star with a big résumé

Fans who remember Simmons at his best know just how special he can be. The No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft was named Rookie of the Year for 2017-18, made the All-Defensive first team twice and earned third team All-NBA honors in 2019-20 with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to USA Today. He is also a three-time All-Star.

The timing of the injury is especially bittersweet. USA Today reports that ESPN's E60 documentary "Being Ben," which follows Simmons' return to the NBA, premiered on Sunday afternoon, the same day he got hurt.

What's next

Simmons will have surgery, and the Kings will reshuffle their rotation without him. NBC Sports expects Precious Achiuwa to see more time with the starters, and USA Today notes the team now has a decision to make on its opening night lineup.

As for Simmons, he has already told the world how this chapter ends: "This time will be no different." We'll be cheering for that comeback, whenever it comes.