Sixers say Ben Simmons had successful foot surgery Tuesday

The Sixers are experts on lower body injuries to their incoming, big men rookies.

First overall pick Ben Simmons, like Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel before him, was ruled out with an injury this preseason to his foot, one that will keep him sidelined for at least three months.

But some good news emerged in a press release from the 76ers Tuesday afternoon.

Simmons had surgery to his pinky toe earlier today and the procedure was deemed a success. It was performed byDr. Martin O’Malley, associate attending orthopaedic surgeon and fellowship director of the foot and ankle service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Dr. Jonathan Glashow, Sixers chief medical officer and co-chief of sports medicine orthopedics at New York’s Mount Sinai Medical Center, assisted with the procedure.

Dr. David T. Martin will oversee his rehab, and said the following:

“Our sports performance and medical staff was debriefed by Dr. O’Malley following the procedure, and we were encouraged by the positive feedback,” Martin said. “Moving forward, a comprehensive return-to-court program will be implemented for Ben, and we will closely monitor his progress throughout the rehabilitation process.”

Indications are that Simmons will sit out the year, though there is an outside chance he does suit up in 2017 when healthy. With a top pick and with the team likely to spend this upcoming season outside contention, chances are Philly will once again play things as safely as possible with the 19-year-old, 6-foot-10 rookie.