Earlier today, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Ben Simmons could finally return to the Philadelphia 76ers after months of being away in California. Shortly after Wojnarowski’s report, Keith Pompey added on, saying that if Simmons returns, it’s doubtful that he plays a game. Before and after these reports, rumors circulated that Ben Simmons could fake an injury and use it as an excuse not to play.

While that does sound like something that could occur, 76ers fans do not have to worry. The Collective Bargaining Agreement discusses this loophole and states how faking an injury to this extent is impossible. I’ll include the full quote below, but to summarize, if there’s a dispute about a player’s injury, a non-biased third party can be called upon to give an official physical to the player.

Following the conclusion of this past season, there has been no word on any injuries suffered by Simmons. In the meantime, he has had videos released of him working out in full game scenarios throughout the offseason. If Simmons were to pull a stunt like this, there is almost zero chance that he would be able to get away with it.

While the 76ers wait to see if Ben Simmons returns to the team, they have their third preseason game tonight against the Brooklyn Nets. Just nine days remain until the start of the regular season on October 20th, so a resolution could occur in the next week.

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports