There is a great sense of optimism around the Philadelphia 76ers that is centered around their young core group of talent that was acquired through the draft over the last few years.
One of those primary pieces is forward Ben Simmons, who is set to play in his first official season this upcoming campaign after being sidelined his entire rookie year due to a foot injury. That said, general manager Bryan Colangelo told Derek Bodner of The Athletic that he doesn't see any restrictions being placed on Simmons for the 2017-18 season.
Bryan Colangelo doesn't anticipate any restrictions on Ben Simmons' availability. Says he's been playing 5-on-5 for a while now. #sixers.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) September 20, 2017
The fact that Simmons has been regularly playing in 5-on-5 scrimmages is quite telling of where he's at physically heading into training camp, which is set to begin next week. This should see him in an extended role in the starting lineup where he's expected to take up some of the point guard duties.
Simmons had been selected with the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft but had suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone of his right foot after rolling his right ankle in the 76ers last training camp scrimmage. He had been projected to miss three to four months due to the injury, however, the team believed it was best to take the precautionary route by holding him out for the entire season.
Although the 76ers will not place restrictions on Simmons, they will likely keep a watchful eye on how he performs throughout his first full season.
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