Things started off very poorly for NBA All-Star Ben Simmons this week. He was thrown out of practice by head coach Doc Rivers after he refused to partake in drills. He was not engaged, and once he refused a second time to partake, Rivers threw him out.
He was subsequently suspended for the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 76ers were able to win that game without him, 117-97, in what had to be a confidence boost for the players who did take the court.
Focus then turned to what would happen for the next game. The Philadelphia 76ers are scheduled to take on the Brooklyn Nets tonight, but no one knew what Simmons’ status was. Now, we have an idea of what is going on.
A positive development finally occurred, as Simmons met with Rivers, Joel Embiid and the rest of the team. Progress was made that everyone needed to take responsibility for what has ensued throughout the offseason and now into the regular season.
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It is a step in the right direction, but it is still anyone’s guess as to when Simmons will return to the court. During the meeting, he informed them that he is still not mentally ready to play and still needs time.
How much time Simmons will need is anyone’s guess. He is still awaiting a trade to another team and it was recently said that the 76ers will wait things out for as long as it takes, even if that means the entirety of Simmons’ contract, which has four seasons remaining on it.
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With such a hardline stance on it by the Philadelphia 76ers, it is likeliest that Ben Simmons will return to the team and play sooner than later. His trade stock isn’t getting any better sitting on the sidelines, so if he really wants to play for a new team, suiting up and playing may be his best route in accomplishing that.
