Australia's Ben Simmons is expected to make his NBA debut with Philadelphia before the regular season ends in mid-April.
Coach Brett Brown said the 76ers would resist the urge to put the No.1 draft pick on ice until 2017-18 after a foot injury cruelled his rookie season.
"Our plan is to still see him on the court, playing games. We just don't know when," Brown told ESPN.
"I fully expect him to play this season.
"He thinks that, and he's motivated to play."
The 208cm guard's broken foot has healed after sidelining him for the first four-and-a-half months of his NBA career, but the 76ers have not put a timetable on his debut.
Simmons, 20, has gradually increased his workload as his recovery from the injury sustained in September continues.
Brown said Simmons had not yet been involved in full-contact, five-on-five match simulation at training.
"I think he looks good, even though it's five-on-zero," Brown said.
"He's got a great spirit, attitude.
The plan is to heal him up, treat him with complete care and then deliver him to the court."
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