Ben Simmons fractures foot at 76ers training camp

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons is injured before the 2016-17 season ever begins, fracturing his foot at training camp

Anyone telling you that the Philadelphia 76ers are going to be good in the 2016-17 NBA season is lying. However, what can definitively been said is that, for the first time in a while, there’s hope in Philly. Along with Joel Embiid finally getting on the floor, the Sixers also are bringing in rookie Ben Simmons. Simmons was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. The power forward out of LSU has all the potential to be a superstar at the pro level.

However, it appears his journey to stardom has been temporarily put on hold. As the 76ers just started training camp earlier this week, there’s the worst news possible coming out of the camp. Ben Simmons is already injured and there’s no timetable for his return.

As first reported by Bob Cooney of the Daily News, Simmons has suffered a fractured foot at 76ers camp:

Cooney’s report was later confirmed by multiple other sources. The 76ers issued a statement shortly after, saying that Simmons will undergo further medical examinations. Until those test results come back, the team is unwilling to set a timetable for the rookie’s return:

While the injury is being talked about as a broken “fifth metatarsal” in his foot, the fact that more tests are coming is a bit disconcerting. Though it could just mean a second opinion, it could also mean there is concern. In theory, the Sixers organization could be looking to see if there is further damage.

More NBA Coverage
Keeping the band together: On NBA continuity rates
Kevin Garnett offered coaching job by Cleveland Cavaliers
The Weekside: 15 greatest commercials that built the legends of Kobe, KG, and Tim Duncan

Considering the negative effects that we’ve seen from foot injuries like Jones fractures in recent years, this is not what you want to see for such a highly touted rookie. Even if it’s not that serious, it’s still not what you want to see. You have to imagine this rules Simmons out to start the regular season, which is a huge blow for a 76ers team hoping to be on the rise.