By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Sacramento Kings are facing an early test after losing newly signed guard Ben Simmons for the remainder of the 2026–27 season.
The 30-year-old point guard recently underwent successful surgery on a torn right Achilles tendon, experiencing this setback shortly after returning to the NBA.
Following team practice on Thursday, Lithuanian Domantas Sabonis addressed the situation. “Definitely tough. We love Ben,” he said. “We’re definitely wishing him the best, and he definitely would have been a big part of our group this year. But we got to try and move on as quickly as possible and stick together. And it’s just the beginning of the season.”
Opening their 82-game schedule at Intuit Dome on Wednesday, the Kings fell to the Los Angeles Clippers. Sabonis carried the load with 14 points, 18 rebounds, and eight assists. He was perfect from the floor and the foul line, hitting all five of his inside shots and all four free throws. It was a reassuring performance for the 30-year-old forward-center, whose prior year was cut down to just 19 games by injuries.
Focus now turns to Friday’s home opener against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. “Very excited to play home. It’s been a long time since I played in this building with the fans, and the home opener is always fun,” noted the three-time All-Star.
Sabonis is playing his 11th season in the league. After stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, he was traded to the Kings midway through the 2021–22 season.
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