The Philadelphia 76ers have been a below average team this season, but they have been one of the more interesting teams to watch. With the emergence of Joel Embiid, many fans have now embraced the Sixers' motto "Trust the Process." If you remember in last years draft, the Sixers had the No. 1 pick in the draft and drafted LSU star, Ben Simmons. He was a versatile player and was deemed by many as "the next LeBron James." Many SIxers fans were excited to see what this young talent can bring to the hardwood. Well Philly fans, you're going to have to wait until next season to see Simmons on the court, as the Sixers announced that Ben Simmons won't play this year.
Foot Problems
Ben Simmons was poised to be an immediate star in the NBA.
But the Sixers hit bad luck again, as Simmons broke his foot on the last day of training camp, Sept 30. Simmons had to undergo surgery to repair an acute Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal of his right foot. That surgery didn't happen until October, but even so, it looked like Simmons was expected to make his debut this season. Simmons had a scan on his foot last Thursday, and the scan showed the foot wasn't healing the way it was expected to. He was originally expected to be back after three or four months, but due to the bone not healing correctly, Simmons will sit for the rest of the season. Simmons was a beast at LSU averaging 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.0 steals per game.
Trust the Process
Sixers fan shouldn't be too upset, as they have been in this position before. Remember Joel Embiid, now the star of the Sixers? He also sat out his first year due to foot injuries as well. Many people were irate at the time, but the Sixers asked the fans to "trust the process." Look how it turned out for them now.
Embiid is an emerging star and already making a case as one of the best big men in the NBA. Philadelphia knows what they're doing when it comes to player development as the proof is in the pudding. The Sixers are 22-35 after Friday's win against the Wizards. There is no point to rush Ben Simmons back on a worthless season, especially if the bone isn't healing right.
Simmons is "heartbroken" by the news, but knows that the work he is putting in will pay off eventually. Everyone was pulling for Simmons to play, from GM Bryan Colangelo to head coach Brett Brown. We all wanted the point-forward to take the floor, but we will have to wait until next season.
Sixers fans will have to be patient and "trust the process" once again while Simmons takes his time healing. It has worked out in the past with Embiid, so they should be optimistic. Simmons has the skills to be a star in the league, however, he will need to wait until he is fully healed to make that next step.
