Ailing Simmons leaves summer league debut
SALT LAKE CITY — Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons, the No. 1 pick in last month’s draft, battled cramping during his NBA summer league debut and needed assistance from the court after he tightened up in the fourth quarter of a 102-94 loss to the Boston Celtics.
The 76ers said Simmons experienced cramping in both legs and would not return. The team later added that Simmons will not play in Tuesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs as a precaution.
In his first NBA appearance, Simmons posted 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists over 23:41 of play. He connected on just two of nine shots but displayed excellent court vision and pushed the ball up the floor after rebounds. Philadelphia was plus-9 in plus/minus when Simmons was on the floor.
Simmons, who hasn’t played a game since his final collegiate game at LSU on March 12, played only short stints at the start of Monday’s game. He was seen trying to stretch out both calves in the second half of the 76ers’ summer league opener at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
