default-cbs-image

Here's a heck of a rumor involving the Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons' agent, Rich Paul, might not want his client to play at all for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, according to the Philadelphia Daily News' Bob Cooney. Simmons, the No. 1 pick in the draft, broke his foot last Friday and is expected to have surgery.

Let's be clear on what this is: Cooney said the above in a radio interview. He has not reported that Paul will absolutely hold Simmons out. Sixers president Bryan Colangelo said on Sunday that, while the team will not rush him back, there is no timetable yet. On Twitter, Cooney clarified the situation:


The reality is that no one knows for sure when Simmons will return. In 2013, Portland Trail Blazers rookie C.J. McCollum broke his foot on Oct. 5 and made his NBA debut on Jan. 8. That same year, Philadelphia held out big man Nerlens Noel for the entire season as he recovered from a torn ACL. The Sixers have also been cautious with center Joel Embiid, who was drafted in 2014 and is set to play his first game as a professional on Tuesday.

Like any sane agent, Paul will surely not want Simmons to play basketball again until he's healthy enough to do so. In this case, though, that's not a conflict with the team's perspective. Philadelphia is obviously still rebuilding, and Colangelo acknowledged that "this might slow things down for Ben and for us." This is not to say that Simmons will sit out the whole season, but it would be wise for Sixers fans to keep their expectations low for now.