The 2016-17 NBA season hasn't started yet but the Philadelphia 76sers have multiple players with injuries...again! Last year, the Sixers finished with a record of 10-72, the second worst in both the franchise's and Nba's history. In recent years, the Sixers were supposed to take that first step to building their future with a group of young, talented players. However, for the nth time, it is being held back with injuries.
Joel Imbiid, who was the third pick of the 2014 NBA draft, has yet to play an official NBA season. He suffered an injury on his right foot and required two surgeries. He has finally played a full contact preseason game for the first time and has shown so much promise. Jahlil Okafor, the third pick of last year's draft, had a strong rookie season but was unable to finish it due to a meniscus tear. His injury required surgery and he hasn't participated in practice since.
Nerlens Noel recently suffered a left groin strain. While he was getting treatment, he suffered yet another injury. He first reported the team that he is feeling some soreness on his knee. Like there's not enough bad news for the Sixers, Noel will need to undergo a minor surgery and the timetable for his return is still uncertain.
Veteran point guard Jerry Bayless is suffering a left wrist injury. Fortunately for Bayless, his injury does not require surgery but he is still questionable for the start of the regular season. Ben Simmons, the first overall pick of this year's draft, didn't finish the preseason because he suffered a Jones fracture in his right foot which required surgery. Sixers Head Coach Brett Brown said that Simmons is targeting a return on January.
"It's not doom and gloom," said Brown. "Ben is coming back in January," he confirmed. Other 76ers players who suffered an injury during the offseason include Nik Stauskas (left hamstring strain), Brandon Paul (right oblique contusion) and Cat Barber (right wrist injury). The 2016 NBA regular season will start in a few days and Brown will have to make do with what he has for now and wait for his chance to have a roster to work with.
