'Not the end': Simmons promises to return after achilles tear

• Ben Simmons is believed to have torn his Achilles tendon at Kings practice
• ESPN's Shams Charania reports the injury is suspected to be season-ending
• The Australian had impressed through Sacramento's training camp and preseason

Ben Simmons has suffered a season-ending injury, with the Sacramento Kings point-forward tearing his Achilles tendon at practice on Sunday (US time).

It is a cruel blow for the Australian, who had been in rejuvenated form through Kings training camp and the preseason as he looked to relaunch his NBA career in Sacramento.

The injury comes on the same day ESPN premiered their long awaited documentary called "Being Ben".

Simmons promised to return once again on his social media.

"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 posted on his Instagram story.

"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 your 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."

ESPN's Bobby Marks posted on X that Simmons was guaranteed $1m if he made it to opening night but because his achilles tear is a significant injury, he will receive all of his full $3.5m salary.