Ben Simmons denies the rumor about him being sidelined for the entire 2016-17 season after his injury. He is determined to play for the 76ers this season.
Simmons didn’t mention exact timetable of his plan, but he is determined to be back in court when he is ready. Meanwhile, according to Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown confirmed the 20-year old player will return in January.
Speaking to the press before the opening game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he said that he had called Kevin Durant to ask for his advice. Durant had a broken foot before the 2014-15 regular season. Afterward, he must undergo three surgery and sidelined for six months before regained his full health.
Durant told Simmons to get advise from a lot of people who had been through the same problem. As for Simmons, the doctors suggested him to rest for three months. However, he tried to use his time off to get himself ready to return to court.
“I was just getting excited about how soon he might be able to come back," he said before the game against the Thunder as reported by ESPN.
Simmons broke his foot during practice session in Sixers’ Training Camp at Stockton University, New Jersey early September after a scrimmage. He suffered a fracture on metatarsal bone of his right foot which required him to undergo surgery and missing at least three months of regular season.
Philadelphia 76ers look forward to have the 6’10” player return to court. Simmons is known for his versatility to play in multiple positions and a strong player in offense and defense. He can shoot and drive to the rim, but he can also make play and pass the assist.
Without Simmons, the 76ers lost their first game against Oklahoma City Thunder 97-103 in their own home court Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Watch the introductory video of Ben Simmons and his profile from the NBA channel