Sixers CEO Scott O'Neil: Ben Simmons ‘will Be Back This Season'

The 2016-17 NBA season is underway, and Ben Simmons will play in it, Sixers CEO Scott O’Neil said on TCN's Breakfast on Broad

Simmons, the first overall pick in the 2016 draft, suffered an acute Jones fracture in his right foot during the final scrimmage of training camp. He underwent surgery on Oct. 4 and recently had the sutures removed. 

“Injuries happen, as we saw with Simmons, who fortunately will be back this season, which is terrific news,” O’Neil said Wednesday morning. 

There had been speculation as to whether Simmons' agent Rich Paul would let him play this season. O’Neil shrugged off that chatter.

“No, it’s not true,” O’Neal said. “Yeah, he’ll be back.”

While no timeline has been announced, Simmons is expected to be sidelined for three months. Last week Brett Brown said, "Ben is coming back in January”. Brown later clarified, “I did mention a January hopeful return, and that was premature. That was a coach doing a lot more wishing than receiving instruction.” 

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Simmons has been with the Sixers for his rehab process. They plan to implement a multi-faceted recovery of education, health and improving his shot.

Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists his freshman (and only) year at LSU. 

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