Simmons and Embiid out for Summer League, Sixers would like Korkmaz to play

Screen Shot 2017-06-05 at 10.54.44 AM

By Josh Liddick, Sports Talk Philly editor 

For those people wondering whether or not Ben Simmons would be participating in the Summer League after missing the last season with a foot injury, the answer is no.

Both Simmons and Joel Embiid will not be participating in the NBA Summer League this year, as Bryan Colangelo told members of the media today during draft workouts in Camden.

It isn't much of a surprise that Simmons won't be playing this summer, especially due to the increased risk of injury to his foot. Also, Simmons hasn't played in full-contact five-on-five scenarios since Summer League last season, so he could also be a bit rusty.

This means the first time we see Simmons play in a game is likely Opening Night this coming up season.

Joel Embiid also won't be participating in Summer League, but this is probably the most unsurprising of all, considering Embiid didn't play last summer, and no one would've predicted he would either.

It's definitely a good thing that they won't be involved, especially at the risk of injury, and considering their histories, it's a pretty good thing.

Finally, Colangelo expressed more of an outlook on the Furkan Korkmaz situation. Sports Talk Philly's Jesse Larch wrote about Korkmaz visiting Philadelphia, in hopes of coming to an agreement on a buyout from Anadolu Efes from the Turkish basketball league.

Korkmaz, who would command a $2 million buyout, is unsure if he will be playing for Philadelphia next season, but he has definitely expressed interest in becoming a Sixer rather immediately.

Korkmaz will be visiting the Sixers and plans on working out with some of the players on the team. Colangelo told the media that the Sixers would prefer Korkmaz play in the Summer League as well.

Korkmaz playing in the Summer League is an intriguing idea, especially since it will show how much he's grown as a player, and how he would play with NBA-caliber players.

As workouts continue, the news on Simmons and Embiid not playing this summer is just more good news on both of their recoveries and chances of playing on the floor at the same time on Opening Night.

Go to top button