Anfernee Simons didn’t take part in the 76ers’ Blue x White scrimmage, but there’s no reason to sound the alarm.
Philadelphia usually protects its biggest names in the annual event, keeping stars on the sideline to avoid unnecessary injuries. This time, though, the sold-out crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philly saw the full starting five get a run, while a few reserves were the ones held out.
Adem Bona and Tacko Fall were already expected to sit. Bona missed the start of camp because of a foot injury, and Fall has been dealing with a hip injury since day two of training camp.
The more surprising absences were Simons and Dominick Barlow. Both had been part of practice sessions before scrimmage day, and there was no detailed explanation for why they didn’t play. The Athletic’s Tony Jones described the situation as “precautionary.”
That fits the way the Sixers are approaching things. There’s no reason to push players in September with an 82-game season looming, and the team clearly isn’t interested in taking chances with anyone’s health this early in the 2026-2027 NBA season.
Even so, Simons’ absence stands out because of the buzz around him. He didn’t arrive with the kind of splash that comes with a LeBron James or Jaylen Brown headline, but he’s been viewed as one of the more underrated pickups of the offseason.
Last season, Simons finished his $100 million deal with a stretch that began in Boston. He came off the bench in 49 games for the Celtics, logging 24.5 minutes per night and averaging 14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 39.5% from deep.
His year then took another turn when Boston moved him in its effort to strengthen the frontcourt at the deadline. Simons landed with a rebuilding Chicago Bulls team and appeared in just six games there.
A wrist injury affected his status late in the season, though it hasn’t interrupted his training camp work with Philadelphia. For now, the Sixers appear content to ease him along.
Barlow’s situation is a little different. Philadelphia already knows what he can do after he played in 71 games for the team last season.
But with a revamped roster, he’s got a tougher road to a steady role, and the Sixers want to see what kind of growth he made over the summer. The public hasn’t gotten that look yet, but that could change soon enough once preseason games begin.
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