Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons Won't Play for 76ers During 2017 Summer League

Philadelphia 76ers president Bryan Colangelo announced Monday that neither center Joel Embiid nor forward Ben Simmons will play during the 2017 summer league.

"They are not playing in summer league," Colangelo told reporters.

Embiid and Simmons are both still recovering from leg injuries that cost them all or part of the 2016-17 season. 

Simmons, the Sixers' No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft, missed all of the regular season after breaking the fifth metatarsal bone of his right foot in September. He was cleared for 5-on-5 action in April but has long been expected to continue sitting out through summer league.  

"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," Sixers coach Brett Brown told reporters.

Embiid, who finally made his NBA debut in 2016-17 after sitting out two years due to foot problems, suffered a torn meniscus in February. He finished with averages of 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 31 games and would have skated to Rookie of the Year honors if it weren't for his limited playing time.

The Sixers have been notoriously cautious with their players during their full-scale rebuild, so holding out Embiid and Simmons should come as no surprise. They're their two most valuable commodities, the shining beacons of the so-called Process that should develop into franchise building blocks if they stay healthy.

Keeping them on a conservative gameplan to have them ready for the regular season was always the advisable and expected move.