CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Anfernee Simons #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on September 28, 2026 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
There won’t be an NBA preseason debut for Anfernee Simons on the Philadelphia 76ers.
The veteran guard has gone through the entire 2026 NBA preseason without an appearance.
Anfernee Simons’ First Sixers Season
GettyCAMDEN, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Anfernee Simons #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on September 28, 2026 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old guard hit the free agency market after splitting time with the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls last year.
Wrapping up his multi-season deal, Simons was expected to garner interest from a handful of teams.
With the Celtics, he appeared in 49 games off the bench. He shot 39.5% from three, averaging 14.2 points and 2.4 assists.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 09: Anfernee Simons #22 of the Chicago Bulls warms up prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 09, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
After getting to the Bulls, Simons knocked down 32.0% of his threes, producing 15.2 points per game, along with 3.0 assists. He appeared in just six games with the Bulls before his season ended due to a wrist injury.
The 76ers pursued Simons in free agency and inked him to a $12.3 million deal over two seasons. The second season is a player option.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 28: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks goes to the basket against Anfernee Simons #4 of the Boston Celtics in the first half at TD Garden on January 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Although Simons didn’t get a chance to play during the preseason, the Sixers saw him within their system throughout training camp. He is still expected to play a key role for the team in 2026-2027.
With Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe jotted down as the projected starters for the backcourt, a healthy Simons will surely be one of the first players off the bench.
After the Sixers wrap up their Friday night finale at home against the Celtics, they’ll begin preparing for their October 20 opener against the New York Knicks.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA/NFL reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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There won’t be an NBA preseason debut for Anfernee Simons on the Philadelphia 76ers. Ahead of the preseason finale against the Boston Celtics, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that Simons would not get the nod to play. The veteran guard has gone through the entire 2026 NBA preseason without an appearance. Anfernee Simons’ First […]
