Report: Ben Simmons could make debut after All-Star Game

By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor

In one way or another, All-Star weekend will involve Joel Embiid and be a special time for Philadelphia 76ers fans who have trusted the process through some lean times. After the All-Star break, Embiid could get some additional ammo in the form of another man who eventually could be an All-Star: Ben Simmons. 

According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, the No. 1 overall pick could make his NBA debut right after Embiid is involved in All-Star festivities:

76ers rookie forward Ben Simmons could make his much-anticipated NBA debut shortly after the All-Star break, league sources told ESPN.

Haynes was careful to note that Simmons playing in March, or at any point this season, isn't a lock, but things seem to be trending in that direction:

Barring a setback in his recovery, sources say the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft has a chance to take the hardwood near March. There still remains the possibility Simmons sits the entire season, sources said, but his situation will continue to be thoroughly evaluated throughout his comeback quest.

Simmons played one season at LSU, averaging 19.2 points-per-game, while adding in four assists and two steals. The Sixers, who finally had the ping pong balls fall their way this past summer, used their first No. 1 pick since selecting Allen Iverson in 1996 on the 6'10 Australian with point-forward potential. 

Whenever Simmons does make his debut, he will be joining a Sixers team that seems to have turned the corner into phase two of the highly debated "process." The aforementioned Embiid is a budding superstar, and the Sixers are 7-2 in their last nine games after tonight's win over the Toronto Raptors.