Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers is not sure whether 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons will be available for the team’s regular-season opener against the Pelicans on Wednesday. Simmons participated in practice on Sunday.
“I don’t know yet,” Rivers said when asked Sunday whether Simmons will be ready for Wednesday. “I’m gonna wait and see. Conditioning I would say just watching him I thought he was in decent shape. Still not, obviously, game shape.” He added: “When he’s ready, he’ll play.”
Simmons arrived in Philadelphia last week and took a COVID-19 test, per the NBA’s protocols, sources told The Athletic at the time.
Prior to his arrival, sources confirmed that Simmons and his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, were working around the clock on a resolution to have the three-time All-Star return to Philadelphia. 76ers general manager Elton Brand, Rivers and Paul were in constant communication regarding Simmons, sources added.
The 25-year-old didn’t report to the start of training camp after his representation informed the 76ers in June that Simmons wanted a trade. In mid-July, the 76ers opened up trade conversations surrounding Simmons and engaged with interested teams, as The Athletic reported.
Simmons has four years and $147 million remaining on his max contract. He’s spent his entire career with the 76ers since they drafted him with the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
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