Ben Simmons cleared to play after 'redshirt season'

Hope is on the horizon following yet another miserable season for the Philadelphia 76ers.

No. 1 pick Ben Simmons announced Tuesday that he has been cleared to play after suffering a Jones fracture in his left foot in training camp which cost him his entire rookie campaign.

"I have a lot of work to do, but at the same time it gave me a learning opportunity that most guys don't get," Simmons explained. "It's like a redshirt season. I accepted the fact that I wasn't going to play, and tried to get an advantage by learning the game and how the league works."

"I had my scan today," Simmons added. "Green check. We live, so I'm looking forward to getting back on the court, and I look forward to a big season with the Sixers."

Despite gaining clearance for five-on-five contact practices, Simmons is not expected to play in Summer League that takes place in July, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports.

The 6-foot-9 Simmons projects as an elite athlete with excellent handles and floor vision for someone of his stature. He figures to be Philadelphia's point guard of the future.