via Imago
May 29, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) celebrates with 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter during game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
May 29, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) celebrates with 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter during game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
By the looks of it, we might never see Ben Simmons play in a Philadelphia 76ers jersey ever again. The 25-year-old seems to have made up his mind, with the situation with his team turning uglier than most expected. That being said, Joel Embiid remains his own candid self, speaking up on what he thinks happened to the team.
When last season began, the 76ers were dominating the league–even without Embiid on the court at times. The team was a direct contender for the title, with fans looking forward to a conference semifinal against the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets never reached the conference finals, and neither did the 76ers.
Embiid keeps it real. pic.twitter.com/oKGQBfSXvc
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 30, 2021
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What does Joel Embiid have to say about Ben Simmons?
While Simmons wants out of Philadelphia, the entire situation seems to have gotten complicated. Embiid recently spoke about Simmons, and how their entire team was always revolving around the latter’s needs.
Video of Joel Embiid's candid comments about Ben Simmons today:
"Our teams have always been built around [Ben's] needs. … The situation is weird, disappointing, borderline kind of disrespectful to all the guys that are out here." pic.twitter.com/Z8olfesz5Y
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) September 30, 2021
“Our teams have always been built around his needs. So it’s just kind of surprising to see,” Embiid said. “Even going back to, the reason we signed Al (Horford), we got rid of Jimmy (Butler), which I still think was a mistake, just to make sure he needed the ball in his hands”.
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Although there were trade rumors even last season, they were promptly shut down. It was clear that the 76ers were trying to win a title with Simmons and Embiid at the center of their team. With what Embiid has said, one has to wonder about the Sixers roster if Butler was still with the team. Butler has been a game-changer with the Miami Heat, developing there as a player despite their turbulent 2020-21 season.
USA Today via Reuters
May 31, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reacts after the basket during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards during game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Will Ben Simmons be fined?
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This year, trade rumors began after the 76ers’ second-round loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Simmons passing on a dunk during Game 7 proved to be a turning point, which is something even Embiid and coach Doc Rivers admitted. In a way, Simmons was held accountable. Now, Simmons is unwilling to attend training camp and is ready to face the consequences.
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