The city of Philadelphia has a special kind of love for its sports team. Few cities in the United States express their love how Philadelphia can. For many of the city’s professional athletes, this tough love is an action that holds each player accountable. Sixers guard Ben Simmons has shown that he prefers not to play for fans with harsh critiques. If the All-Star guard would like to see greener pastures, he must grow accustom to brotherly love.
Ben Simmons has openly expressed his ill feelings towards the Sixers organization. His words were a reaction to the plethora of issues that had transpired since the end of last season. Simmons believed that the Sixers coaching staff should have made him more of a scoring option since joining the teaming in 2017. His inability to score from outside of the paint has left both parties at a standstill.
Philadelphia managed to enter the 2021 NBA playoffs as the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers advanced once, making it to the conference semifinals. Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks dueled against the Sixers in a seven-game series. Philadelphia’s flaws grew evident as the series progressed. Simmons’ inability to assert himself as an offensive weapon served as a Sixers liability.
The Philadelphia 76ers have started their season without Ben Simmons. Is the Sixers star point making a return?
After the Sixers were eliminated by the Atlanta Hawks in game seven, the All-Defensive guard refused to accept responsibility. His decision to not join the team during the preseason resulted in other teammates speaking out. Star center Joel Embiid responded to Simmons’ holdout, calling it “borderline disrespectful.” Embiid was accused of limiting Simmons’ shine while on the hardwood. According to The Athletic, Ben Simmons believes Embiid’s style is not conducive to the way he needs to play.
As the NBA preseason continues, so do the Sixers. Doc Rivers and the 76ers locker room have much bigger things to focus on. The Philadelphia front office has made it clear that they do not have plans of trading Ben Simmons. Sixers fans might see their starting guard sooner than expected. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Ben Simmons arrived in Philadelphia Monday night and took his mandatory COVID test.
Sixers officials and Klutch CEO Rich Paul have progressed in talks over recent days on a resolution to bring All-Star Ben Simmons back to Philadelphia in the near future, sources tell ESPN. Discussions are ongoing.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 11, 2021
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Ben Simmons returning to Philadelphia is a good move for both parties. The Sixers have enough skill on their roster to have a productive season. The odds of success only increase if Simmons is in the backcourt. Playing a few games for Doc Rivers would also help Ben Simmons. The demand for his talents will grow as he presents them this upcoming season. The only way both Simons and Philadelphia will win is if they grow together.