Philadelphia 76ers young duo Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons will not play in the upcoming summer league according to beat reporter Tom Moore. Sixers team president Bryan Colangelo confirmed this to Moore.
Colangelo confirms Simmons and Embiid not playing summer league ball.
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) June 5, 2017
This is not entirely surprising given the injury risk for both players. The Sixers have good reason to be careful with their two top picks, given the wealth of potential. Embiid last season was one of the most electrifying players in the league before getting shut down with a knee injury, though he said it was not as serious as previously thought. Simmons did not play at all last season, but is expected to be ready this time around. He missed all 82 games with a serious foot injury. Embiid and Simmons, coupled with a very impressive Dario Saric and whoever Philadelphia picks third overall in the 2017 NBA Draft creates an excellent core.
Sixers head coach Brett Brown believes it would be beneficial if Simmons participated in the Summer League, according to Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly. “I think it would be good if he did, but I wouldn’t say it’s a prerequisite he has to play,” Brown said. “I think still his health and the judgement of his health rules the day.” Brown has said he intends to use Simmons at point guard, though the team is basing that judgment on instinct.
Ben Simmons is still a relative unknown to the Sixers management, though the team is confident he is worth the wait. Initially Simmons was only supposed to miss the first three months of the season, but the Sixers felt it best to not rush the 6’10” 20 year old back. Philadelphia figures to be a fringe playoff team next season assuming everyone stays healthy. Nobody could blame them for being extra careful, though it is disappointing we have to wait longer to see Embiid and Simmons share the court.
