Doc Rivers: 76ers’ Ben Simmons not in ‘game shape’
FILE – Head coach Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks with Ben Simmons. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons practiced Sunday for the first time since ending his holdout.
Coach Doc Rivers said the 25-year-old All-Star is in “decent shape” but might not be ready to play in Wednesday’s regular-season opener in New Orleans.
Article continues after this advertisement“I’m gonna wait and see,” Rivers said Sunday. “Conditioning, I would say, just watching him he’s in decent shape. Still not, obviously, game shape.”
Simmons reported to the team on Oct. 11 after an acrimonious offseason that included a trade demand. He missed all four of Philadelphia’s preseason contests.
“Right now, I’m just trying to get him back comfortable and integrated,” Rivers said when asked about Simmons’ availability this week. “I’m not even thinking about that. That’ll come at some point. There’s no game plan there, I’ll tell you that. When he’s ready, he’ll play.”
Article continues after this advertisementSimmons did not speak to the media after practice.
The three-time All-Star averaged 14.3 points, 6.9 assists and 7.2 rebounds in 58 games last season. He averaged just 11.9 points in the playoffs while shooting a dismal 34.2 percent from the free-throw line.
