Report: 76ers' Simmons could make debut after All-Star break

Ben Simmons, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, could make his season debut for the Philadelphia 76ers shortly after the All-Star break, sources told ESPN's Chris Haynes.

Barring a setback, the report states Simmons should be on the floor around the beginning of March. The 20-year-old Australian broke his right foot in training camp, becoming the third Philadelphia first-round pick in four years to miss either all or a considerable part of his rookie campaign. Last week he participated in five-on-five drills for the first time.

The news comes on the same day that Sixers coach Brett Brown dismissed a suggestion that Simmons would be in uniform for Philadelphia's Jan. 27 contest against the Houston Rockets.

"There is no chance," Brown said, according to the Inquirer's Keith Pompey. "I am a social hermit. I have no idea what you are talking about. But I do know there is no chance that he will play then."

That rumor appeared to be rooted in news that ESPN was dropping the Miami Heat-Chicago Bulls game that night in favor of the Philadelphia-Houston matchup.