76ers coach Brett Brown put an end to speculation about Ben Simmons making his debut against the Houston Rockets on Jan. 27.
The rumor started when ESPN announced late Tuesday that it was dropping the Miami Heat-Chicago Bulls game that night to pick up the Sixers' matchup. Shortly afterward, a picture of Simmons was posted on Instagram. Then social media went abuzz with speculation.
"There is no chance," Brown said Wednesday. "I am a social hermit. I have no idea what you are talking about. But I do know there is no chance that he will play then."
The first overall pick in June's draft, Simmons suffered a Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot on Sept. 30, the final day of training camp. He had surgery in October. Simmons has been working hard in preparation for an expected return this season. The 6-foot-10 point guard has been returning to the team's practice facility at night to work on his shooting.
He has yet to participate in a five-on-five scrimmage.
