Ben Simmons Cleared for 5-on-5 Play, Not Expected to Play in 76ers Summer League

Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons is inching closer to NBA action, but don't expect to see him suit up for Philly in the NBA Summer League.

On Tuesday, Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com reported the 2016 No. 1 overall pick was cleared to play in five-on-five work following a clean scan of his right foot. However, Windhorst added he is not expected to take the court during summer league.

The 76ers made the news official on Wednesday but did not hint toward his summer league availability.

Simmons sat out the entire 2016-17 campaign.

Simmons shared a message with his fans on UNINTERRUPTED on Tuesday:

Windhorst noted there was hope the LSU product would play some as a rookie after suffering the foot injury in September, but a February scan revealed he wasn't fully healed, ending his season.

According to Windhorst, 76ers head coach Brett Brown would like to make Simmons the starting point guard in 2017-18 with his healthy foot.

Brown previously weighed in on Simmons' status for summer league, per Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly: "I think it would be good if he did, but I wouldn't say it's a prerequisite he has to play. I think still his health and the judgment of his health rules the day."

Camerato noted Simmons didn't even play every contest of last year's summer league when he was healthy, so easing him back in makes sense. 

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