Ben Simmons was on the Philadelphia 76ers' practice floor free of the moon boot he has worn since undergoing surgery on his right foot. Simmons shot free throws in sneakers.

"That is significant," Brett Brown said.

Since beginning rehab a little over two months ago, Simmons and Brown have been conducting one-on-one tutoring sessions to develop his on-court game.

"We took him through, 'Here, you got the ball, you're the point guard," said Brown. "What do you see? What do you do? What do I call this? What are the reads? What can he do?

On Tuesday, Brown put Simmons through his first exam.

"We went through that for a half an hour [Tuesday] morning."

The 76ers are hoping Simmons can make his NBA debut in January.