At 6’10” with unbelievable passing instincts, Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons is about as exciting as NBA rookies get. That’s why it truly devastating was the no. 1 overall draft pick went down with a fractured foot. 10 days into the month in which he was respected to return, Simmons has begun participating in drills, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN:
Sixers coach Brett Brown told reporters in Philadelphia that the top overall pick in the 2016 draft went through the scripted drills, described as very light and essentially a walk-through, at 80 percent.
“The gym got a lift,” Brown told reporters, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. “You could feel it.”
Sixers center Joel Embiid spoke about how Simmons was used in his first practice back:
“We played him as a point guard today,” center Joel Embiid said, according to Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. “I think that’s how they’re trying to grow him. I’m excited to see how he develops into that.”
Simmons running point is hardly a surprise; he did that in college and projects to be a point forward in the pros. Think LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo in terms of Simmons’ offensive role in Philadelphia. Given his age and size, Simmons’ passing ability and court vision is almost unfathomable. He is very well-equipped to run point for the Sixers.
