Is he staying or leaving. . . .
Ben Simmons vs. 76ers July 2021 situation story examined, as the city of Philadelphia wants to start over with just Joel Embiid at the head of the table. To think, just three years ago, the Philadelphia 76ers passed up on giving Jimmy Butler a max-contract extension, in favor of Ben Simmons. At the time, Jimmy was very outspoken on the leadership and commitment of Mr. Simmons, which spoke volumes at him signing with Pat Riley’s Miami Heat.
Fast-forward just to last December, and the Philadelphia 76ers found themselves again at the helm of trade talks centered around James Harden. Again, the team declined to move Simmons, feeling that he was the best option for them winning a championship. With Doc Rivers making a comment that he’s not sure if Simmons can lead the team to an NBA Championship; the real question is whether Doc should still be in the position he’s had for multiple failures over the last 13 years. Before Ben Simmons passed up on the open layup, Joel Embiid was scoreless in the fourth quarter of an elimination game.
Sadly, all of the blame was deflected from Coach Rivers and Embiid, towards strictly on Simmons. Since that time, Simmons has opted to not play in the Tokyo Olympics this summer and stay home to develop skills. Yes, the NBA has reached an all-time low in player development, as a franchise-presented player like Ben Simmons feels he doesn’t have proper skills on the court as a professional. Since the Philadelphia playoff run ended, his name has been mentioned in multiple trade talks, which we’re confused why anyone would trade away better assets and picks for Simmons.
This isn’t a knock to him, but the NBA is based on confidence, not just skill level (see: Paul George skill, then Kobe Bryant confidence). In practice, we see Ben Simmons killing it on the YouTube clips, including knocking down multiple three-point shots every game. However, once he gets in front of the lights and crowd, it’s the complete opposite. Now, the LeBron James-affiliated Klutch Sports has been having talks with 76ers management about the future of Simmons there in town. Rich Paul of Klutch has informed the team, that his client wants to remain in Philly and stay a 76er.
Unfortunately, the team may not see it that way, as they’ve grown impatient with how they were eliminated this year by the Atlanta Hawks. It’s highly unlikely they’ll get back the type of value they’re looking for with Simmons, which is why they should’ve cashed out with Harden and Jimmy. Ben Simmons is still due $140 million over the next four seasons, which is why he’s likely to stay.
This may be a divorce that can’t happen, because of the insane contract Klutch Sports finessed the Philadelphia 76rers with. The team may get desperate and just want him gone from the situation entirely to create a roster spot for a second star on the team. With the NBA Draft right around the corner, look for Philly to join Golden State in making the most noise with trade discussions in the next few weeks.