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
The ‘Big Ben Theory’ is still to reach its conclusion. However, after months of speculation and an elongated strain between the Sixers & Ben Simmons, it’s appearing as if the dust is finally settling. At least the update on Ben’s latest move is pointing towards the same.
The Philadelphia 76ers are in good shape. After losing their preseason opener to the Raptors, they bounced back and even managed to defeat the scary Nets. So if they can somehow reach clarity in the Simmons situation, a lot more can get better for them.
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Ben Simmons heading back to Philadelphia Sixers?
As per a fresh development, Ben Simmons has passed the league’s safety protocols. So now, he can officially begin his workout with the 76ers coaches and perhaps still play in the Sixers jersey.
Ben Simmons passed his physical with Philadelphia this evening, per league sources. He can begin working out on the court in isolation with Sixers coaches tomorrow, as detailed within the NBA's health and safety protocols when players return to market for preseason activities.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) October 12, 2021
Now, the Sixers will next play the Pistons as their last preseason game before starting the regular season against the Pelicans. The 76ers front office had already imposed a fine of a whopping $360K for missing the previous games. This had taken the Rich Paul camp aback because they didn’t expect such a huge penalty.
So is it now safe to say that Ben is coming back as a Sixers player? Well, all the hints are telling the exact same tale.
Read more: Analyst Questions Ben Simmons’ Motives as He Shockingly Returns to Philadelphia
Why will this be bittersweet to the Philly fans?
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 27, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) celebrates with guard Ben Simmons (25) and center Joel Embiid (21) after scoring the game winning basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
In the aftermath of the playoff 2021 fiasco, the unforgiving Philly fans totally trashed Ben Simmons. Perhaps this became a major factor why Ben decided to join any of the 29 teams but not the Sixers. In fact, the All-Star player clarified on multiple occasions how he has no intentions of going back.
And now, for whatever reason, if Ben is to show up for Philly, the Wells Fargo Center might not welcome him with open arms. He will have tremendous pressure to deliver or it’ll turn into a crazy decision for him.
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So do you see the marriage of Ben & Philly continuing? Help us know in the comments section below.
Watch this story: Ben Simmons and Other NBA Stars Who Have a Lot to Prove in the Next Season
