Sixers' Ben Simmons Provides Update on Rehab in Video

Ben Simmons delivered a brief update Thursday on his recovery from a Jones fracture in his right foot with a video posted to Uninterrupted

“Just got back from another workout,” Simmons said in the video. I’ve been doing well. Just wanted to update you guys. Everything’s going well. My foot’s healing great, and I appreciate all the fans and supporters out there that’ve been keeping me motivated and pushing me.”

Simmons recorded the video in his home, where he also gave a shot of his savannah cat, Nala. The Sixers’ rookie has not formally addressed the media since opening night. 

Earlier in the day, Simmons showcased his ball-handling skills at the Sixers’ training complex (see story). He spent a short period of time on the court -- in sneakers, not a walking boot -- before a team meeting. 

On Wednesday, Simmons joined the Sixers for the first time this season on the bench during their game against the Raptors (see story). Simmons’ new vantage point gave Brett Brown the chance to interact with his future point guard during an actual game. 

Brown has been impressed with Simmons’ insight on basketball. Simmons’ balance of knowledge and willingness to learn is a trait Brown sees as shared with Joel Embiid.

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“I respect the strength that they carry themselves with in regards to how they feel like things should happen,” Brown said. “I also respect the fact that they completely buy into me saying, ‘I don’t see it that way at all. I think this for these reasons,’ and they step back and they’re coachable. 

"They let me coach them, and I have to. As trite as that might sound, that’s not a common thing sometimes with young superstars, or young people that have had a hell of a lot of attention.”

Brown said Simmons has been “nice and steady” during his rehab. He has seen this type of demeanor before. Brown remembers it from Simmons’ own father, Dave, whom he coached in Australia.

“His dad was a strong-willed man,” Brown said. “Ben has got his dad’s sort of quiet disposition. It’s sort of his background, the way he was raised, the way his DNA is that he goes about things sort of not in a bravado, in-your-face way. But there’s a tough side, there’s a competitive side, that I can’t wait to coach.” 

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