Sixers podcast: 76ers slam Nets | Simmons comes knocking | Rivers can’t be serious

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (left) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris (12) and forward Kevin Durant (right) Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (left) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris (12) and forward Kevin Durant (right) Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Sixers drama just won’t go away. Even with the anticipation of a new season and players in preseason looking sharp, the Ben Simmons situation continues to develop in the most bizarre sense. The podcast goes into every aspect of how and why the Simmons saga keeps morphing into another awkward issue.

The Sixer Sense Podcast Episode 132

First, Lucas Johnson and Christopher Kline begin the podcast with the recap of the Sixers victory over the Brooklyn Nets. With their top two stars, Kevin Durant and James Harden, the Nets just could not execute enough to keep a short-staffed Sixers roster from extending their lead. We analyze the game and discuss 76er players who stood out and perhaps could be on the verge of losing minutes this season.

The next topic is one that won’t go away. Ben Simmons’ hold-out went from expected to unexpected in just a matter of days. We look at reasons why Simmons bluffed and then backtracked on his stance of reporting to the team, only to show up to the Sixers’ practice facility for a physical and COVID-19 test. Lucas and Chris offer thoughts on his motivation, which could actually be about more than just his fines and salary.

The podcast then pivots to comments made by Ben Simmons’ teammates. When talking to the press, Sixers players like Danny Green, Joel Embiid, and Seth Curry were asked about Simmons’ situation. We break down the comments and try to figure out if their words have any weight. We also dissect Doc Rivers’ comments and explore reasons why he keeps offering remarks that still leaves the fanbase confused about the team’s stance on Ben Simmons.

The final subject revolves around a comparison between the Sixers team at the start of last season versus the current team that begins its season next week. Differing opinions stir good conversation about who has the most talent and better promise based on the past and current roster.

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