Ben Simmons' Foot Surgery Went Great, But He Still Might Sit Out The Whole NBA Season

Imagine you're the worst team in the NBA.

Imagine you broke the league record for longest losing streak with 28 straight l's over the past two seasons.

Imagine you had quelled fans outrage by saying this was all a "process", and that winding up at the bottom of the ladder at least allowed you to nab #1 draft pick Ben Simmons.

Then imagine Simmons broke his foot and was mulling over sitting out an entire year.

You now know how the Philadelphia 76ers feel.

Melbourne boy Simmons was meant to make his preseason debut this week, until an injury during practice on Friday left him with a foot fracture.

Initial reports suggested he'd have to sit out at least three months. However, rumours have emerged that Simmons' agent Rich Paul wants the hot prospect to rest his foot for the entire '16/'17 season.

Either way, this is not a great start to the second phase of Philly's process.

Today, the NBA said an operation on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot had been successful, so that's something.

At least LeBron James has taken Simmons under his considerable wing and told him to take his time.

Speaking to press at Cleveland Cavaliers practice, he revealed his reaction to the news of Simmons' injury: "It's like, 'damn'." (This is basically how everyone in the world felt, FYI.)

"He has a long career in front of him and he just has to be patient, let the foot heal and when he gets back on the floor then he'll show why he's the number one pick," James added, saying he'd reached out to Simmons after hearing of his fracture.

Anyway, Australia's other draft pick, Thon Maker, so far has no foot fractures. Yay?

Photo: Facebook - Sixers.