The Ben Simmons trade saga has intrigued the league for months now. While his talent was visible ever since his draft, one of the biggest caveats was that he was a not a modern day guard who had a game based on the perimeter.
This aspect certainly became a big problem alongside a traditional center like Joel Embiid. Embiid, who like Hakeem Olajuwon, relies on his dominance and his post-up play is one of the best players in the restricted area.
Given how both the players had similar areas where they like to dominate, one of them had to step back. Simmons was the one who sacrificed, and we never saw the offensive plays by the guard. This certainly hurt the 76ers in the playoffs as Simmons could not guard a shifty guard like Trae Young and his lack of offense meant that the series slipped away from Philly’s hands.
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The criticism was massive as well. From Embiid to Doc Rivers, everyone criticised and the guards and to make matters worse, fans were furious. Given all of these factors, Simmons’ trade looked imminent.
Watch this story: Giannis Antetokounmpos Incredible Block, Blake Griffin Emulating Ben Simmons & Other Highlights from Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks Opening Night Game
Tobias Harris supports Ben Simmons’ latest revelation
Ever since the off-season, the Simmons trade saga has taken multiple turns. Be it the Australian not showing up in pre-season and training camp to his recent fallout in a training session, the future of Ben Simmons remains uncertain.
But the latest development has seriously shifted the possibility of a trade down the rabbit hole. Simmons recently opened up and said that he and his teammates need to be responsible but also acknowledged that he is mentally not ready to return just yet.
And we’ll respect his privacy and space during this time. When he’s ready, we will embrace our brother with love and handle our business on the court. That's it, that's all. https://t.co/eardjmQbz8
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) October 22, 2021
Teammate Tobias Harris certainly was in full support of the 3-time All-Star. In a recent tweet, Harris said that the team will respect his privacy and will embrace him with open arms.
This is certainly an incredible show of respect for by the Sixers’ forward. Given how rampant the media space has been, seeing a teammate speaking out for Simmons is massive. While the likes of Embiid haven’t been as supportive, Harris’ comments suggest that a return to Philly might not be that hard after all.
READ MORE- Ben Simmons Finally Takes First Step To Settle Beef With Joel Embiid and 76ers
Twitter lauds Tobias Harris’ recent comments
NBA twitter certainly was appreciative of the tweet Harris made. Given how he supported Simmons’ who hasn’t had the best of days, many hailed him as a leader of for the team.
Tobi’s a better man than I#Sixers https://t.co/f9gV3cnvLU
— Marc Miller (@msquared_pitt) October 22, 2021
I wonder what @JoelEmbiid has to say about this… He does not like to baby sit… 🤣 Tobias is a good man… 👍👍 https://t.co/F0GoYzJNOE
— Poy_Pogi (@poyjuansengpue) October 22, 2021
Damn. That’s a lot of class https://t.co/yMhUYfGp8z
— DameOfThrones (@Dame0fThr0nes) October 22, 2021
This is what a Leader looks like. All jokes aside this is it. https://t.co/r655KcryoO
— Jordan Poydras (@jptrey10) October 22, 2021
even now he still got teammates defending him. this why him acting like a hoe so disrespectful lmaooo https://t.co/dHWxdBoHpy
— zando calrissian 🙁 (@supadee800) October 22, 2021
Real one https://t.co/2jP5XRi27E
— Deshawn (@KeyShawn888) October 22, 2021
LEADER https://t.co/F1zLy68sLu
— Tony Silvestri (@Tonebone____) October 22, 2021
the whole “idc about that man” was weak.
this is a leader https://t.co/k8PUTYI27b
— Kanielism (cartoon villain) (@EL_Kaniel) October 22, 2021
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SOME TEAMMATE YOU ARE!!!! https://t.co/OKEOi5bs79
— KSI 🇵🇰 (SDMN) (@UrrehmanFaiq) October 22, 2021
We don't deserve Tobias Harris https://t.co/PJ71vZN1lL
— Sarah Hudson (@sbhudson108) October 22, 2021
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Simmons will certainly be encouraged to see one of his teammates step up for him. Given how torrid these past few weeks have been, Harris might play a key role for the All-Star guard’s comeback. Do you think Simmons will finally return for the 76ers? Let us know in the comments section down below.