Philadelphia 76ers prized rookie Ben Simmons exited the team's practice Friday after suffering an apparent ankle injury.
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Simmons to Undergo 'Precautionary' Testing
Friday, Sept. 30
Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Sixers sent Simmons for imaging on his right ankle after he rolled it during Friday's practice session.
Hopes of a successful rebuild in Philadelphia rest on the shoulders of the forward, the top overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. The LSU product was one of the most hyped college prospects in a decade thanks to his well-rounded skill set that features just about everything aside from outside shooting.
The Australia native missed some time early during his stay with the Tigers while waiting for an ankle injury to heal. He also exited an NBA Summer League contest in July after suffering cramps in both legs.
The Sixers are no strangers to their top prospects dealing with injuries. Jahlil Okafor missed the latter stages of his rookie year last season after suffering a knee injury. Joel Embiid, the third overall pick in 2014, didn't play a single game over his first two years because of multiple foot surgeries.
The front office will hope Simmons doesn't end up going through similar problems.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia will probably spread his preseason minutes around among several players in its crowded frontcourt if he's forced to sit out to rest and heal. Robert Covington, Dario Saric and Jerami Grant are among the players who figure to receive upticks in action.