NBA News: No. 1 Pick Ben Simmons May Make Debut After All-Star Break

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Back in June, the Philadelphia 76ers selected LSU’s Ben Simmons with the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Simmons is widely considered to be the most talented player coming out of college and quite possibly the NBA’s next superstar.

Unfortunately for the 76ers, Simmons suffered a foot injury that would sideline the top pick in the draft indefinitely. The 20-year-old went from the savior of the 76ers to another high draft pick who had to wait to start his NBA career in Philadelphia.

Although Simmons has yet to play a game in a 76ers uniform, the struggling franchise may finally get their prized rookie on the floor after the NBA All-Star break, according to ESPN’s Chris Haynes:

76ers rookie forward Ben Simmons could make his much-anticipated NBA debut shortly after the All-Star break, league sources told ESPN.

As the 76ers await Simmons return to the floor, the team is seeing one of their promising young players flourish during the 2016-17 campaign. Center Joel Embiid, like Simmons, had the start of his NBA career delayed due to injury. Embiid was finally healthy enough to play this season and has quickly emerged as the favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year.

With Embiid quickly turning into a star attraction in Philadelphia, the return of Simmons could be a huge boost for this team as they attempt to turn the corner after many disappointing seasons of rebuilding.

During his one season at LSU, Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists a game. Simmons has been getting a lot of buzz as potentially being the next LeBron James and next month the league may get to see the beginning of what could be a long successful career.