It doesn’t look like Ben Simmons is changing his stance on the Philadelphia 76ers anytime soon. After getting ejected from practice on Thursday morning, the player was suspended for the team’s season opener.
The Sixers didn’t have a scheduled practice for today, but Ben did attend the facility, although he didn’t participate in his individual workout. After his controversial back and forth with the team, one would imagine he would at least try a little harder, but now the 25-year-old seems to be injured.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Simmons arrived and departed from the Sixers facility without training. His status for Tomorrow night game against the Brooklyn Nets is uncertain as of right now.
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
Woj dug deeper and revealed more details about the situation, saying that Simmons described ‘back tightness’ to several Sixers medical staffers.
Ben Simmons described back tightness to several Sixers staff members and was briefly treated for it today.
Ben Simmons described back tightness to several Sixers staff members and was briefly treated for it today, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2021
He was treated for it and cleared to take some shots. However, the player decided to leave the gym and take care of himself.
The Sixers' medical staff cleared Simmons to participate in the workout after the back treatment, sources tell ESPN. The Sixers had hoped to see Simmons in the workout today and have him go through shoot-around on Friday morning prior to game vs. Nets. https://t.co/WygyAnShmz
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2021
The Sixers’ medical staff cleared Simmons to participate in the workout after the back treatment, sources tell ESPN. The Sixers had hoped to see Simmons in the workout today and have him go through shootaround on Friday morning prior to game vs. Nets.
These recent developments don’t show any improvement for the Simmons-Sixers relationship. The player is keen to continue his career with a different team, but Philadelphia isn’t willing to let him go unless they receive a player that keeps their contender status.
It’s hard to predict what team will pull the trigger on this move and if the Sixers will take their offer. Meanwhile, the Australian is doing everything to avoid practicing with the team, making things more awkward for Doc Rivers and the rest of the players.
