76ers GM: Injured Simmons 'close or ready' to NBA return

 Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons is closer to getting cleared to play, should NBA season resume.

Simmons, league leader in steals, was sidelined with nerve issues in his lower back when season was suspended on March 11 because of coronavirus pandemic. He is allowed to rehabilitate at 76ers’ practice facility in Camden, New Jersey, but re seemed to be guarantee he would have been cleared to play in time for a playoff run.

“We’ve took our time, we’ve been methodical and thoughtful about his recovery and rehab, just to make sure, because we weren’t in a rush,” 76ers GM Elton Brand said Tuesday. “It’s hard to speculate. He’s been working hard and I kw he’d be close or ready.”

Simmons had

On March 11, 76ers said Simmons' next evaluation would happen in early April.

“When I FaceTime him during his workouts and his treatments and I see him, I’d be highly encourd,” Brand said. “His ramp-up would be different.”

23-year-old Simmons averd 16.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 54 games.

He and or players undergoing rehab, including All-Star center Joel Embiid, have permission to use 76ers’ practice facility. Embiid was

“He’s asking about when his trainer can come in,” Brand said. “I wouldn’t bet against him. He’s going to be ready and ramped up.”

Sixers have a skeleton staff on hand at facility when players need rehab, usually a physical trainer or a strength coach, and never more than about six people at a time.

Entering a season with NBA championship expectations, Sixers (39-26) were a disappointing sixth in Eastern Conference and coach Brett Brown’s job status was a daily hot topic in Philly. Brown, whose contract runs through 2021-22, may have gained some more time to fix Sixers because of shutdown.

Al Horford was a free-nt bust coming over from Boston and had lost his starting job. questions raised during season may t be answered for months, though a healthy Simmons and Embiid could serve as a course correction, if NBA resumes its season.

“It’s very hard to speculate on what changes would be made if we don’t have a season,” Brand said.

Brand said Sixers have sent players any workout equipment needed and designed workouts to help m stay in shape during break. Yes, that even includes basketballs, if necessary.

“I’m making sure ir physical health and also ir mental health are in great shape,” Brand said. “It’s going to take a ramp-up. I don’t kw how much time that’s going to be once it’s deemed safe, but we’re definitely going to need some time to get back in gym, to have time to get your legs back and get your wind back."

Like most of rest of league, Brand remained hopeful NBA season would resume and said Sixers are prepared to play Boston Celtics in a potential playoff matchup, should league go that route.

Brand also said Sixers were t in a rush to replace former senior vice president of player personnel Marc Eversley, hired last week as general manger of Chicago Bulls.

Brand has kept busy, participating in both weekly general manr’s call with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and a return-to-play committee. With 76ers holding up to five picks in 2020 draft, Brand also has met virtually with prospects, ir families and nts.

re is one Zoom call Brand has missed: player-organized virtual happy hours.

“For some reason, I’m t invited to those,” he said with a laugh.