National Basketball Association

Ben Simmons insists there are no plans to sit out his entire rookie season

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:51 p.m. ET

Brett Pollakoff

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons suffered a foot fracture in the team's final training camp scrimmage, and while the estimated timetable for his return was placed at three months, there has been some speculation that the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft may simply shut it down for the entire regular season.

But Simmons, speaking to reporters before Wednesday's season opener in Philadelphia, insisted that he'll return to the court just as soon as he's healthy enough to do so.

"There's a lot of talk; somebody put that out there," Simmons said, via ESPN. "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."

The Sixers have been very cautious with their injured rookies in recent years, which is what likely led to the speculation. Nerlens Noel was healthy enough to play late in his rookie season, but the team decided there was nothing to be gained so he continued to stay sidelined. And Joel Embiid just made his NBA debut on Wednesday, after missing what would have been his first two NBA seasons due to injury.

"It was tough just knowing what happened, but I will have my first game eventually," Simmons said. "My time will come."