Some good Sixers news to come out of quarantine. This morning according to a report from ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, Ben Simmons’ lower back impingement is basically gone. This means Ben should be good to go if or when the season resumes. Simmons first injured his back in practice on February 19th and then left the game against the Milwaukee Bucks early and has not played since. This is very good news as there was talk all over the place if he would be able to return at all this season.

According to ESPN's Jackie MacMullan, Ben Simmons lower back impingement is basically gone. She's reporting a team source said if the season continues, the Sixers are expected to have him. https://t.co/kxS76HlUd4

— Dave Uram (@MrUram) April 21, 2020

Ben has been having a dominant season with the 76ers, looking like a likely 1st team All-Defense at the guard spot and continuing to grow as a player. Simmons posted 16.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists so far this season alongside with 2.1 steals per game. Also being named an All-Star and likely All-NBA nomination the guard has continued to grow leaps and bounds each year with no end in sight. 

No player should be this fast at 6’10”. Ben Simmons has underrated speed. pic.twitter.com/leHmI0pGw5

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) April 20, 2020

LeBron James also touched on Ben’s offseason work in the article saying “He worked his tail off,” James says. “The sky’s the limit for Ben. His size, his strength, his vision, his IQ … he carries himself as someone who believes he’s the best, as you should… As long as he doesn’t care about what other people say, he’ll be fine. Nine times out of 10, people who criticize you have never done anything in their life. Either that or they’re jealous ’cause you’re better than them.”

Ben Simmons been working on his jumper this offseason 👀 (via @ChrisJHoops, @swishcultures_) pic.twitter.com/GOug3TT61d

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 23, 2019

Another interesting note from this report is there was an agreement between Ben and Brett Brown for been to be more proactive in shooting the ball in the final weeks of the season. Ben has slowly improved his ability to shoot this season, making a three-pointer against the New York Knicks early in the year. If Ben is able to improve his willingness to shoot it will add a whole new layer to his game to make him even better. 

The Knicks are so bad.

Even Ben Simmons hit a 3-pointer on them. pic.twitter.com/gmbneaRb5w

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) November 21, 2019

Ben has kept busy in quarantine, playing Call Of Duty on Twitch and having ordered a basketball hoop for his home in New Jersey. He has also been growing his hair out alongside a few teammates like Tobias Harris as they wait for the hopeful return to basketball as many do not know when that will be. Whenever that will be, I expect the Sixers to be ready.

FG% while defended by Ben Simmons this year:

Trae Young: 18%
LeBron James: 22%
Pascal Siakam: 26%
Jayson Tatum: 27%
Russell Westbrook: 30%
James Harden: 33%

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) February 19, 2020