Nick Piccone
We were all pretty excited at the thought of Ben Simmons returning quickly to the court, especially after his Instagram post shortly after the NBA announced the Sixers-Rockets game would be moved to ESPN in prime time next Friday night.
But, alas, Brett Brown basically labeled that a pipe dream. And now, ESPN’s Chris Haynes says Simmons may return after the All-Star break, if he even returns at all.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie forward Ben Simmons could make his much-anticipated NBA debut shortly after the All-Star break, league sources told ESPN.
Barring a recovery setback, sources say the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft has a chance at being on course to take the hardwood near March. There still remains the possibility Simmons sits the entire season, sources said, but his situation will continue to be thoroughly evaluated throughout his comeback quest.
The thing that jumps out to me here is that there still remains the possibility that Simmons won’t play at all this season. I’m not sure how much any of us would like that. Simmons said after his surgery there were no plans for him to sit the entire season.
The All-Star break runs from February 17-19, so if this report is legit, we’re still about a month away from seeing Simmons in game action. If, you know, he plays this season.