Ben Simmons has done more than enough to earn Philadelphia 76ers’ hate. Ever since he collapsed in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference second round against the Atlanta Hawks, the point guard has been subject to criticism from fans and media members in Philly.
After Simmons skipped his scheduled individual workout on Thursday, fans weren’t so happy with him and blasted the player on social media. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Simmons described ‘back tightness’ to Sixers medical staff, was treated by it, and cleared to practice. However, he decided to skip the shootaround and went straight home.
ESPN Sources: All-Star Ben Simmons arrived and departed the 76ers practice facility today without taking part in a scheduled individual workout. His status for Friday night's game vs. Brooklyn (ESPN, 7:30 PM) is unclear. As a team, the Sixers had no practice today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2021
Fans had a lot to say about this, posting memes, criticizing the man and urging the team to trade him before he creates more unnecessary drama.
Dang, he showed up to not show up lol
— nba paint (@nba_paint) October 21, 2021
This is turning into an ugly breakup and Ben is looking like the bad guy. Still business at the end of the day but sheesh..there’s some hard feelings here
— Skubie Mageza (@SkubieMageza) October 21, 2021
Never seen someone act like a diva who’s not a star
— 🤪 (@ChiefsTheBest) October 21, 2021
https://twitter.com/Kofie/status/1451251641529810950
Fr just trade him pic.twitter.com/3Pf7pS8LxD
— Confused Houston Fan 🙃😕😐 (@Snyphe) October 21, 2021
Dude thinks he's James Harden; dude will never see max money again
— Bettor Odds (@GetBettorOdds) October 21, 2021
We couldn’t even get a pic like this today pic.twitter.com/CIUZ2GK1DG
— dominic (@TOsportsdomi) October 21, 2021
https://twitter.com/J51620307/status/1451251773130301444
— 6 Seasons and a Moving Screen (@NBAGreendale) October 21, 2021
This Simmons situation is coating the sixers way too much they need to either talk with him and fix the situation and beef between them or to trade him the situation that is currently going on hurts both Simmons and the sixers
— OriG1nal (@NotARealFurry) October 21, 2021
https://twitter.com/1isJuan/status/1451256222288527367
If he's not happy with his current team, why should not trade him? If affects for the team it also affects the league, there are some great trade proposals that I believe it can work.
— Paul Abelido (@PTA83) October 21, 2021
Why won’t they trade him already? If I’m the 76ers im trying to contend for a title while we have the roster and this dude is ruining chemistry fucking up our chances to contend by a long shot. Keeping him on the team won’t make the situation any better smh
— Sagittarius (@__saintshaun) October 21, 2021
Benched him for 4 years and don't pay him. NBA should awarded Sixers with extra first round pick for doing that.
— Luka94 (@Luka9410) October 21, 2021
https://twitter.com/Dre24__/status/1451251436382265350
Just to point out that being 'stubborn' is usually another word for 'fear.'
Simmons is a young guy and can still be a great NBA player but his profound dedication to his own immaturity is not helping his career.
Unless he secretly loves Sacramento.
— Dayphorisms (@Dayphorisms) October 22, 2021
They should just keep suspending him so they don’t have to pay. Let him play in China or Turkey as a “defensive” specialist.
— Hugo DaBoss (@chowingdown) October 21, 2021
— Zach Zeaman (@zachzeaman) October 21, 2021
It’s clear that fans aren’t happy with Ben, and nothing points out that they will change their minds in the future. That said, recent developments suggest Simmons is willing to return to the team, but he needs some time to get mentally ready.
This morning, the player addressed teammates and head coach, saying he’s ready to take responsibility for past issues. Yet, Simmons added that he needs some time to be mentally ready to play again.
This could be the answer the Sixers need from Ben. It’s hard to see them trading the 25-year-old now, and they want to see how much they can get in return for Simmons. Even though the player wants to leave as soon as possible, he could help himself and the team by playing and raising his stock.
Time will tell when he returns to action, what his role with the team, and how he’ll mesh with players.
