Philadelphia 76ers Can’t Shake The Rookie Injury Bug
The latest injury to prized rookie forward Ben Simmons means the Philadelphia 76ers can’t shake the injury bug that’s plagued its first-year players.
Philadelphia 76ers fans just can’t catch a break.
The latest news that prized rookie forward Ben Simmons has gone down with a foot fracture is unpleasant to hear, to say the least.
Many were expecting Simmons to contend early for the KIA NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Some even see him as a transcendent prospect.
Standing at 6’10”, Simmons operates as a point guard in most half-court situations. He can see over the defense and has court vision and passing instincts well beyond his years.
When he gets out in transition or drives to the basket he’s hard to stop given his size and physicality.
Bottom line is that he’s a handful to deal with offensively, and he has the athleticism and quickness to defend multiple positions.
But his long-awaited debut won’t come anytime soon thanks to this latest injury. Simmons is likely out for at least two months, and the 76ers are cautious when it comes to giving their young guys enough rest and recovery time.
The good news is that Philadelphia isn’t new to these situations. Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid all have had their own struggles with staying healthy.
But at what point does the team’s luck ultimately turn around?
The Past
As mentioned, Sixers fans are familiar with requiring patience when it comes to first-year players.
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In 2013, fans were given the news that Noel would miss the entire 2013-14 season with a torn ACL he suffered in college with the Kentucky Wildcats. The team was in the early stages of the rebuilding process, so the news wasn’t as impactful at the time.
Then came the drafting of Embiid, which seems to finally be paying off after two straight years of seeing him sidelined with multiple back and foot injuries.
Even last season when all seemed to come together for No. 3 overall pick Jahlil Okafor, he lost time on the court due to a meniscus tear in his right knee.
All of these injuries have stacked one after another deflating positive buzz around the city for the last yew years.
The Present
With Simmons out, the 76ers have options to start at the power forward position.
Embiid is likely to play in the home opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Philly could start him alongside Noel or Okafor while still capping his overall minute total.
Dario Saric is also set to make his debut, and he would serve as an interesting pairing next to one of the centers. He plays essentially the same role as Simmons as a playmaking forward. Giving him a chance to develop in a bigger role than originally anticipated could pay off down the road.
There’s also second-year stretch-4 Richaun Holmes, who played meaningful minutes last year. While not the most polished prospect, he would provide a little floor spacing with necessary rim protection next to a big lacking on the defensive end like Okafor.
The Future
Simmons’ injury isn’t the end of the world for basketball lovers.
At least not yet. He has a great shot at a full recovery, but the risk of re-injury remains given his size and weight.
Smaller guys have had trouble staying away from foot re-injuries as well. Just ask young Thunder point guard Cameron Payne who re-broke a metatarsal bone this past week.
Proper treatment and great maintenance sit at the top of the priority list for Simmons and the 76ers. The last thing the city of Philadelphia wants is more heartbreak caused by one of its young stars.
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Don’t lose hope, however. Simmons still has a bright basketball future.