Simmons sheds moon boot for NBA training

Ben Simmons' NBA debut is a step closer after the Australian youngster trained without a moon boot for the first time since breaking his foot.

Philadelphia coach Brett Brown observed this year's No.1 draft pick practice shooting, hailing the development as significant despite him yet to be able to move freely.

"He walked out on the court in sneakers and he shot free-throws," Brown told reporters on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT).

"That is significant. You are looking and I'm like, 'here we go'.

"There was no boot. There was nothing earlier that he was wheeling (to walk).

"He walked across and (I) sat in my office and I just watched him shoot free throws."

The 76ers are unsure when the 20-year-old Simmons will recover from the injury sustained in the pre-season.

Brown previously expressed hope the battling NBA team could unveil him at point guard next month, but he urged patience on Tuesday.

"We are going to be extremely careful," Brown said.

"Everybody needs to hear that, and you know that.

"We are going to be extremely careful with how his progression into the team goes."