Ben Simmons faces possible season ending injury in Sacramento

A tough blow for the Kings

Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons is believed to have sustained a torn Achilles tendon. This comes after he received a preliminary diagnosis on the injury from the team on Sunday.

This signifies a suspected season ending injury for Simmons. The news arrives right after he put in rejuvenated and impressive training camp and preseason performances.

Building up to the deal

A three-time All-Star, Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings on Sept. 4. He was healthy at the time of the deal.

The 6-foot-10, 240-pound guard impressed Kings general manager Scott Perry when he worked out for him in Miami. They also had an hourlong meeting in late August.

Simmons then traveled to Sacramento to visit the team. He impressed coach Doug Christie and other members of the basketball staff at the practice facility last month, where he underwent a medical exam and an on-court workout.

Role on the team

In the following days, the Kings offered Simmons a contract. The expectation was for him to serve as a backup point guard for rookie Darius Acuff Jr and play positions 1 through 5.

The team viewed Simmons as a high-upside reclamation project who still has years left in his perspective prime. Simmons played two preseason games for the Kings, averaging 10.5 points in 17.5 minutes.