NBA regular season

Doc Rivers: Sixers’ Ben Simmons not in ‘game shape’

Reuters

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Doc Rivers: Sixers’ Ben Simmons not in ‘game shape’

COMEBACK. Ben Simmons returns to the 76ers, just a few weeks after declaring he will never play for the team again.

Philadelphia 76ers Instagram page

Sixers coach Doc Rivers is uncertain whether Ben Simmons will play in their season opener as he practiced with the team for the first time after an acrimonious offseason that included a trade demand

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons practiced Sunday, October 17, for the first time since ending his holdout.

Coach Doc Rivers said the 25-year-old All-Star is in “decent shape” but might not be ready to play in Wednesday’s regular-season opener in New Orleans.

“I’m gonna wait and see,” Rivers said Sunday. “Conditioning, I would say, just watching him he’s in decent shape. Still not, obviously, game shape.”

Simmons reported to the team on October 11 after an acrimonious offseason that included a trade demand. He missed all four of Philadelphia’s preseason contests.

“Right now, I’m just trying to get him back comfortable and integrated,” Rivers said when asked about Simmons’ availability this week. “I’m not even thinking about that. That’ll come at some point. There’s no game plan there, I’ll tell you that. When he’s ready, he’ll play.”

Simmons did not speak to the media after practice.

The three-time All-Star averaged 14.3 points, 6.9 assists, and 7.2 rebounds in 58 games last season. He averaged just 11.9 points in the playoffs while shooting a dismal 34.2% from the free throw line. – Rappler.com

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