76ers F Simmons undergoes foot surgery

76ers F Simmons undergoes foot surgery

The top overall pick out of LSU sustained the injury after landing on the foot of teammate Shawn Long during Friday’s scrimmage.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley, associate attending orthopaedic surgeon and fellowship director of the Foot and Ankle Service at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

“Our sports performance and medical staff was debriefed by Dr. O’Malley following the procedure, and we were encouraged by the positive feedback,” said 76ers Director of Performance Research and Development Dr. David T. Martin, who will supervise Simmons’ rehabilitation.

“Moving forward, a comprehensive return to court program will be implemented for Ben, and we will closely monitor his progress throughout the rehabilitation process.”

Simmons, 20, is the 76ers’ first top overall pick since Allen Iverson in 1996.

An injury to a high draft pick is nothing new for star crossed Philadelphia, which has seen Nerlens Noel sit out his entire rookie season in 2013 14 with a torn ACL.pandora rings ukNoel was the third overall pick of the 2013 draft.

Joel Embiid, who was also selected third overall in 2014, has yet to play in an NBA game following multiple surgeries on his right foot.

Jahlil Okafor, also chosen third in the 2015 draft, sustained a season ending knee injury after playing in 53 games.

The Sixers begin their preseason schedule against the Boston Celtics in Amherst, Mass., on Tuesday. Coach Brett Brown said this week that both Embiid and Okafor will play in that game.