For the first time in recent memory, there was excitement surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers - especially around No. 1 pick Ben Simmons.
That enthusiasm was short-lived, though, as the former LSU star suffered a foot injury in training camp and is set to undergo surgery this week, which is expected to sidelined him for at least three months.
Now there's a chance he won't suit up at all this season - if his agent has it his way.
Simmons is represented by superagent Rich Paul, who reportedly doesn't want the 20-year-old to see the floor in 2016-17.
"I just got off the phone with somebody who I really trust in the NBA, and he's like there's no way his agent is going to let him play this year," Bob Cooney from the Philadelphia Daily News said Monday on 97.5 The Fanatic.
"That's an injury that you don’t mess around with, and he thinks he's going to keep him off his feet all year."
It's worth noting Cooney has heard varying opinions from doctors, team officials, and people around the league, with this particular source saying he doesn't see Simmons making his NBA debut in the upcoming campaign.
The 76ers have been cautious regarding player injuries, which they've had to deal with more than they would've liked throughout The Process. For instance, rookie Joel Embiid missed the last two seasons while recovering from foot injuries and related surgeries.
While it's not necessarily what Philly fans want to hear right now, Cooney also named Simmons as the player who stood out to him the most at training camp. He described the 6-foot-10 forward as a playmaker who makes things happen for the squad.
