76ers Get Much-Needed Boost With 2 Players Nearing Return

If there’s anything to learn from the Philadelphia 76ers preseason games, it’s that one injury could derail this entire season.

Well, it seems that they may be getting some good news regarding the injury report.  Adem Bona as well as Anferenee Simon have gone through some drills in training camp. Now neither one will be available for the final preseason game, but it does mean that they are inching closer to a return.

Bona suffered his injury while playing for his country in an exhibition, while Simons suffered a hamstring injury during the first preseason game against the New York Knicks. These injuries have left the team in a hole prior to the start of the NBA season. 

It’s going to be beneficial to have these guys back, as it will help with some of their enormous issues. For Bona, he’s the last line of defense for the 76ers. When he is available, he will help wash away the thought at Dean Wade playing center. Now, Wade will hold his own as best he can, but it won’t be anything like what Bona can do.

Bona is a glass cleaner who has developed his game in the offseason. Many had high hopes for him and expected to see him play an important role for this team. Which is also what they expected from Simons when they signed him in the offseason. Simon was expected to have a shot at winning the sixth man of the year. This team was built in a way that would help him do that. 

Simons is expected to be the spark off the bench. His scoring is the biggest reason why this could work out. He has starting experience and has been the star of a team, even if it was for a short time. Now, Simons could play with a team that has shooters around him. Not only has his injury changed the landscape of the team, but it also changes who makes the team. 

Even though Simons has slowly started to work out again, it may not be in time for the season. Which means they could keep more guards on the roster than they want. Or they may have to keep another big man because of the injury to Bona and Ariel Hukporti. Everything has a ripple effect, and it’s already wrecking havoc on the coaching staff’s decision. 

Despite all that, the faster these two get back, the easier it will be for the entire team and make their goals more realistic.