Ben Simmons Determined To Play This Season

Sixers rookie Ben Simmons doesn’t have a definite timetable to return to action after fracturing his right foot, but he tells ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk that he definitely plans to play this season.

There has been speculation in some areas that Simmons’ best course of action might be to sit out the rest of the season and come back fully healthy next year.

“There’s a lot of talk; somebody put that out there,” Simmons said. “But I will come back when I am ready. There is no timetable on getting healthy. I am working every day to get back. As soon as they tell me I can play, I will be out there.”

Simmons suffered the injury, a Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal, in a practice scrimmage and underwent surgery on October 4th. He recently had his sutures removed, and the team says he is making progress with his rehabilitation. With no complications, he is expected to return in January.

The rookie out of LSU also answered charges that a 33-pound weight gain over the offseason contributed to the injury. Simmons now carries 250 pounds on his 6’10” frame.

“I came down on somebody’s foot, so it wasn’t anything weight-wise or anything to do with that,” he said. “My playing weight was fine. I know a lot of talk was about that. It happened.”

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