Scan shows no problems with Simmons' foot; no return date yet

ByOhm Youngmisuk ESPN logo
Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Ben Simmons' recovery is going as planned after a foot scan revealed no setbacks, according to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Simmons underwent a scheduled scan on his surgically repaired right foot on Monday. The Sixers said that while everything is going as planned, the No. 1 pick still does not have a timetable for a return to the court.

"I'm just really happy with the path and plan we have in place for him," coach Brett Brown told reporters. "It's nice and slow. It's not dramatic. It's not anything that people should read into -- here he is. It's not that. It's slowly building him up, very cautiously to a point where we can welcome him back, legitimately to the team."

Simmons underwent surgery to repair an acute Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot on Oct. 4. Simmons was expected to miss three months.

The team's first-round pick went through five-on-zero practice drills two weeks ago for the first time since he suffered the foot injury in training camp.

ESPN.com's Chris Haynes reported that Simmons could make his rookie debut shortly after the All-Star break. Sources told Haynes that Simmons has a chance to return near March but that there also is still the possibility that the 6-foot-10 prospect could sit out the entire season, with his foot being constantly evaluated.