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Australia’s Ben Simmons has taken the next step in his quest to shake a foot injury and make his NBA debut.
The number one draft pick has swapped his moon boot for a pair of sneakers as he made a return to training with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Whilst he has been cleared by doctors to return to regular footwear, he remains incapable of shooting anything more than flatfooted as his recovery from a foot injury, sustained in a Sixers workout in a training camp, drags on.
Additionally, the Melbournian was put through a point guard exam, as rumours that he is due to be deployed in the position for the 76ers seem to be coming to fruition.
76ers coach Brett Brown said the 20-year-old’s progress has been impressive.
“I can only speak from a non-medical standpoint and just his coach. The evolution that he and I have been able to have in a classroom and on a court and talking things through over the past few months is fantastic,” Brown said.
“He’s coming along in leaps and bounds [physically]. It’s all heading in a positive way.
“We’re all going to be just extremely careful – everybody needs to hear that, and we know that. We’re going to be extremely careful with how his progression into the team goes.”
The 76ers have been maligned in recent years for their ‘process’ in approaching the NBA Draft, with a noticeable focus on raw, young talent such as Simmons, Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor.
However, last season saw former general manager Sam Hinkie step down and be replaced by NBA veteran Bryan Colangelo, heralding a possible change in approach to developing their roster.
While the 76ers haven’t seen an improvement in the NBA’s standings, the signs are promising for the once-great franchise.
They currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference, although the talent of Embiid and Saric, coupled with the exciting potential of Simmons, could see a marked resurgence in the latter part of the season.
The signs are encouraging for the Aussie, although a date has yet to be pencilled in for his impending NBA debut. It is, however, believed the 76ers are targeting a January window for the rookie’s first NBA appearance.
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