Sixers: If Ben Simmons comes back, what’s next?

Now that the season is underway and the fines have stopped, trade talks have died down. This leaves one question: What happens now? Will Ben Simmons remain in Philadelphia? Can the Sixers make it work if he does stay? Does Simmons get dealt on or before the deadline?

Simmons is back in Philly, he has yet to play and has been a bit of distraction. Olive branches have been extended — Embiid publicly called on Philly to accept Simmons back with open arms and Doc Rivers has publicly stated over and over throughout the offseason that he wants Simmons back and believes they are better with him on the roster. Daryl Morey seems unwilling to let Simmons go for anything less than peak late 80s/early 90s Michael Jordan plus picks.

What happens now that Ben Simmons and the Sixers headed for an on-court reunited?

Let’s say Simmons comes back, you can look up any stat you want to during the Embiid-Simmons era, the Sixers are better with them together and it’s really not even close. From their overall record when they are both on the floor to net ratings and efficiency rating, everything indicates the Sixers need both Simmons and Embiid healthy and playing together to reach their full team potential. This shouldn’t really be that surprising for a former No. 1 and No. 3 pick, respectively.

If Simmons comes back and is really willing to play in Philly and move forward as a part of this team, all he needs to do in the words of Travis Kelce is “just play better.” It sounds so simple but it is true. If the fences are mended between the two stars and the rest of the team and Simmons plays like an All-Star with any semblance of an improved shot, then the fans will come around and welcome him back. If his return results in this team winning games and making a run through the East then Philadelphia will love Simmons. They have always wanted to love Simmons, he just hasn’t made it easy.

The best case scenario at this point is Simmons comes back, he shoots even 25 percent from 3-point range, but most importantly, he is willing to attempt even one or two a game and doesn’t fold under pressure late. That would force opponents to play this team differently down the stretch.

This is where the Sixers really struggle with Simmons. With him, Embiid and Tobias Harris on the court, there are few teams that can stack up with that three. The issue that really showed up in the playoffs last year is that having Simmons on the floor in the fourth quarter, instead of having a Big 3, essentially turns into having four guys on the court offensively. Simmons just simply evolving his game to the point that he is a respected fifth player on the court down the stretch takes this team to new heights.

Here’s to hoping Simmons returns and listens to Jason Kelce’s advice.