Brett Brown says Ben Simmons will play point guard when he returns from injury

Philadelphia 76ers Media Day

Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown gave an update on the injury status of Ben Simmons Friday, telling reporters that the No. 1 overall pick is “doing great” after undergoing surgery on a broken bone in his right foot almost two months ago.

And while there is no timetable yet for his return, Brown is already planning on how to use the 76ers prized rookie.

“My intention is to give him the ball and let him be the point guard,” Brown said, via Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly. “That’s the plan. That doesn’t just happen. It takes a little bit of time to introduce him.”

Simmons has tremendous ball-handling and passing skills for his size (6-10, 240), and him playing point guard would prevent further crowding in the frontcourt.

It’s not unusual for big men to play point guard these days. The Milwaukee Bucks tried out Giannis Antetokounmpo (6-11, 222) at point guard this season, and it’s working out just fine. It will take time, but Simmons has the skills to do it.

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