CAMDEN, N.J. -- Ben Simmons' first year in the NBA came to an end without a single game played, leaving the 2016 top overall pick already looking ahead to the start of training camp in the fall.
Simmons spoke to the media Thursday for the first time since opening night, following his diagnosis of a Jones fracture in his right foot. A lot has happened with him since then, including being ruled out for the season in February and being cleared Tuesday to advance his training.
"It was a lot of ups and downs, but at the end of the day I learned a lot just being around the guys and learning the system," Simmons said. "It gave me a great opportunity to learn the game."
Simmons suffered the injury during the final scrimmage of training camp. He felt frustrated when he was officially sidelined for the season in late February following a CT scan. Brett Brown had remained optimistic Simmons would be able to play.
"I definitely want to be out there. But at the same time, when I heard it, [I thought] what can I do to get better?" he said. "There was no rush. We weren't in the playoffs or anything like that, so might as well take my time and make sure I'm a hundred percent."
Now that the season is over, Simmons plans to resume his training routine, which he said will be a "normal workout" consisting of shooting, dribbling and running. He does not have a specific date for starting full contact work, other than when the Sixers tell him.
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"Obviously they're not going to put me in a five-on-five straightaway," he said. "I've got to build up to that. It's going to take time."
The Sixers have not determined if Simmons will participate in summer league. It would seem unlikely given that he has done full contact work to this point and did not play in every game last summer when he was healthy.
"If I'm ready to play, I'm ready," Simmons said of the July competition. "We'll see what happens."
Asked if he is certain to be will be ready for training camp and opening night, Simmons replied, "I can't promise anything, but I'm going to work until I'm back to where I was."
Brown plans to start Simmons at the one spot next season. Simmons expects a challenge, but one that he's up for taking.
"I definitely want to be a point guard and be one of the leaders," he said.
Simmons has been trying to pick up leadership skills from Robert Covington and Gerald Henderson. He also has formed a close relationship with Jerryd Bayless. Simmons is projected to share the court with the veteran point guard, who can also play shooting guard.
"That's like my big brother," Simmons said of Bayless. "He's looked out for me. He's been a real leader and tried to guide me in the right way."
Simmons was under a microscope this season. Checkmarks such as shooting free throws in sneakers (vs. a walking boot) and joining the team on the road were news.
Once he was ruled out for the year, his moves after shootarounds and before games were closely watched. This includes a pregame dunk that caused a stir on social media.
"I'd been feeling good lately," Simmons said. "I know they (the Sixers) weren't happy."
Even speculation over his height and whether he had grown to seven feet tall since the draft became a storyline this month.
"I don't know [if I am seven feet], we should get a tape measure," he said jokingly. "I haven't been measured since though. I think I've grown."
Simmons will train in Philadelphia and also return home to Australia to visit family. He will prepare to contribute to a Sixers team he believes can make a splash next season.
"I think we can do big things," he said. "I don't want to say anything too specific, but I'm excited to play with these guys and I think we can do some damage."
