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The annual Summer League has long been the avenue teams use to get a first look at their young players competing at a level closest to the NBA. It also gives the ones who came from injury to have a feel of the game once again, and prepare them for the coming season.
That said, many are expecting the Philadelphia 76ers to include Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons in their lineup this summer. However, head coach Brett Brown is already hinting, via Adam Wells of Bleacher Report, that the two might skip it and just focus on working out by themselves.
Article Continues Below“I don't think we've announced [anything official], but I think everybody should bunker in to hear that news [that Simmons and Embiid won't play in summer league]. I don't think anything's become official. But we're fine with the work these guys are putting in. People could walk into our gym even now and see the attendance of our players.”
After missing the last two years due to a pair of foot injuries he suffered, Embiid played for the first time this season and became a fan favorite in Philly. He had a very solid campaign despite only appearing in 31 games. He averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.5 blocks in only 25.4 minutes per game, as the Sixers were taking a cautious approach on him and are looking after his long-term recovery.
Simmons on the other hand suffered a Jones Fracture in his right foot during the last day of training camp. He missed the entire year, but is looking ready to make his much anticipated debut this coming season.
It would've been an exciting prospect to see the two young big men play together this summer, but the team's coaching staff knows what's best for them and may be saving them when the games matter more. It's still an exciting time for their fans, as the 76ers could become one of the NBA's teams of the future, especially coming off a very promising campaign this year.
