Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown has defended Ben Simmons after NBA great Isiah Thomas slammed the Australian teenager for sitting out Summer League games.
The 76ers opted not to play Simmons for a second consecutive day on Thursday when they took on the Brooklyn Nets.
Brown said Simmons wanted to play, but after consulting with the team's coaches and medical staff it was decided to rest him.
"This is our direction, it has nothing to do with him," Brown, who said it was his duty to look after the health of his young players, told ESPN.
Thomas, a 12-time All-Star and Hall of Fame inductee who won two NBA titles with the Detroit Pistons, was not happy to see top draft pick Simmons sitting out.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"You're 19," Thomas said on NBA TV.
"Earn your money, get on the floor and play."
Melbourne-born Simmons will earn more than $US5 million ($A6.5 million) in his rookie year with the 76ers and signed a $US20 million ($A26.20 million) endorsement deal with Nike.
Simmons has had highs and lows during his Summer League games for the 76ers, which feature rookie, second-year and young free agents.
He has been described as a "mini-LeBron James" and his passing skills have received rave reviews.
However, Simmons has been criticised for not shooting enough.
Simmons, in his debut for the 76ers in Utah on July 4 against the Boston Celtics, had to be helped off the court after suffering cramps in his legs.
In his three games in Las Vegas Simmons has averaged 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists and 29.7 minutes per game.
