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Ben Simmons fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot, stemming from a rolled ankle he suffered in practice Friday. The 6-foot-10 forward awkwardly landed on teammate Shawn Long’s foot in a scrimmage.
It’s a perpetual buzzkill for the Sixers, considering the team’s history with previously injured rookies (Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor), but information is sprouting regarding Simmons’ immediate future.
ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that Simmons suffered an “acute injury” and the team will prepare for the rookie to undergo surgery next week.
Ben Simmons update: Sixers and doctors involved believe rookie suffered an "acute injury" unrelated to weight and plan for surgery next week
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 1, 2016
Immediately following the news, questions surfaced on the severity of Simmons’ untimely injury. Whether the No. 1 pick suffered an “Avulsion fracture” or “Jones fracture” became a narrative.
With the Sixers opting for surgery to repair the damage Simmons suffered, it could be either fracture. In terms of severity, a “Jones fracture” requires extensive treatment, compared to an “Avulsion fracture.” Simmons suffering a “Jones fracture” could be the more likely culprit, considering he’s undergoing the knife next week.
The list of NBA players that have suffered fifth metatarsal fractures in their foot is expansive, with the majority having to require subsequent surgery.
Stein offering additional information allows the public to have a more knowledgeable understanding of Simmons’ current state. An acute injury stems from an injury that is sudden and traumatic. A rolled ankle unfortunately fits that bill.
Simmons was slated to start in the Sixers’ preseason opener Tuesday against Boston, but Friday’s events complicate matters for head coach Brett Brown. According to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, the rookie will be sidelined for “about” three months.
Simmons, if the Sixers take the anticipated cautious approach, might miss the 2016 portion of games this season. The egregious injury also will impact his Rookie of the Year standing, due to missing an extensive amount of action. However, his future with the organization supersedes any hardware he might earn in his career.
Stay tuned for further updates, as news breaks in.