The Philadelphia 76ers really thought they had acquired a game-changing talent when they selected Ben Simmons as the number one overall pick in the NBA draft this past summer.
The Australian forward may yet still be what they had hoped, but he can't prove as much for a good few months yet.
The 20-year-old is sidelined at the moment following surgery to repair an acute Jones fracture in his right foot and while there is no timetable for his return, the injury typically takes around three months to heal.
After Joel Embiid's well-documented foot issues that prevented him from making his NBA debut for two years - until last night, in fact - rumours have begun swirling that the Sixers may shut down Simmons' season as a precaution.
"No," Simmons said flatly, when asked if anyone has advised him to sit out the season to let his foot recover. "There's a lot of talk; somebody put that out there. But I will come back when I am ready.
"There is no timetable on getting healthy. I am working every day to get back. As soon as they tell me I can play, I will be out there."
Philly have let Nerlens Noel get some needed surgery as well in the past week, so one would assume they are bracing themselves for a tough spell while Simmons is away.
