The Philadelphia 76ers got a massive jolt of good news today when Anfernee Simons, one of their key offseason depth signings, practiced in full after battling a hamstring injury throughout the preseason. This is a huge step for a team that has been eager to integrate their new bench talent, even if it means waiting just a little bit longer.
Simons Takes a Giant Leap Forward in Recovery
It’s been a tough preseason for Simons, who hasn’t gotten to take the court at all for the Sixers thanks to a nagging hamstring injury. Fans have been holding their breath, wondering when they’d get to see the guy they picked up as a reliable option off the bench. The good vibes started bubbling up Wednesday when he was a partial participant in practice, but Thursday? That’s when things really took a turn. Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia dropped the news: Simons was a full participant in practice today! That’s not just a small gain, folks; that’s a clear, undeniable shift in his recovery process. After splitting last season between the Celtics and Bulls, averaging 14.3 points on 44 percent shooting across 55 games, the Sixers need that kind of offensive punch.
The Bench Is Waiting, But Not For Tonight
Even with the massive positive development of Simons practicing fully, the Sixers are playing it smart. He won’t be on the court for the final preseason game Friday night against his former team, the Boston Celtics. It’s a bummer, for sure, especially when you consider he’s part of a revamped Sixers squad that landed massive names like LeBron James and Jaylen Brown in the offseason. Getting those depth pieces like Simons healthy is crucial. Adem Bona, who has been dealing with a left foot issue, also participated fully in practice but will sit out Friday’s game, too. So, while the immediate impact isn’t there, the signs are all pointing in the right direction.
The Sixers will face off against the Celtics on Friday night, with tip-off slated for 7:00 p.m. EST. It’ll be the final tune-up before the real games begin, and while we won’t see Simons or Bona, knowing they’re back on the court for practice has to feel like a win for Philadelphia fans. It won’t be long now until that bench gets the boost it’s been waiting for.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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