UPDATE 6:41 PM: So the rolled ankle turned out to be a cover story — Ben Simmons has a Jones Fracture in his right foot. He will miss at least the start of the season.
4:18 PM If you’ve been impatiently waiting to see No. 1 pick Ben Simmons in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform, you likely will have to wait a little longer.
Simmons rolled his ankle at practice Friday, reports Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly.com. While not considered serious, the Sixers took Simmons in to have an MRI and get a better look at what happened. They also may rest him next week when the Sixers first take the court, reports Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
It's unlikely that #Sixers rookie Ben Simmons (rolled ankle) will play in Tuesday's preseason opener vs.#BostonCeltics at #UMass.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) September 30, 2016
Cautious is the right move by the Sixers here. Ankles, once sprained and the ligaments are stretched out, are easy to re-injure if not fully healed. The last thing the Sixers want is for this to be a running issue Simmons’ rookie season.
Sorry fans, but maybe you at least get to see Joel Embiid.