76ers' Simmons: 'I'll play when I'm ready'

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons spoke to media prior to Philadelphia's opener Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and said there's no timetable for his return.

"I'll play when I'm ready," Simmons said, according to Philadelphia magazine's Derek Bodner. Simmons did say there's been no talk of shutting him down for the season, as some had previously reported.

Simmons' statement lines up with the team's official wording after the No. 1 pick in June's draft underwent foot surgery on Oct. 4. However, coach Brett Brown - perhaps prematurely - said last week that Simmons should return in January.

In Simmons' absence, Sixers fans will be treated to the long-awaited debut of Joel Embiid Wednesday night.