76ers’ Ben Simmons Out Indefinitely With Preseason Set To Begin Soon

(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant NBAE via Getty Images)

Here we go again, 76ers fans. Stop me if you heard of this before.

Just when you thought the Sixers were turning the corner, their number 1 pick Ben Simmons fractures a bone in his foot. Simmons was injured Friday during the final training-camp scrimmage at Stockton University in New Jersey. The injury occurred midway through a 12-minute, fourth-quarter simulation scrimmage. Ben Simmons fractured the fifth metatarsal bone. No timetable given. Further tests are schedule for tomorrow.

76ers Loaded with Talent but Also Injury Bug

Simmons’ injury is the latest blow to a franchise that has been beset in recent years by injuries to their players. Joel Embiid, the No. 3 overall pick in 2014, has yet to play because of surgeries on his right foot. Nerlens Noel missed his rookie year in 2013 with a torn ACL. Jahlil Okafor had his rookie season cut short with season-ending knee surgery on his right knee. This franchise just seems to be unable to shake off the injury bug.

The Sixers Are Still Optimistic

The Sixers’ staff has been giddy over Simmons so far. He had come to camp with a serious-minded approach, had seemed to come to chase greatness. Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals last season en route to being a consensus first-team all-American for LSU. That LSU team was awful. LSU didn’t make the NCAA Tournament but Simmons skills were constantly on display.

Now, there could be surgery. There could be months lost. There’s no timetable on a recovery yet, but make no mistake: Simmons needed this Sixers season, the way the franchise assuredly needs him. The Sixers begin preseason play against Boston on Tuesday evening at the University of Massachusetts.