The Ben Simmons saga continues in Philadelphia a couple of weeks after he returned to the city. The player was involved in controversies with head coach Doc Rivers and teammates after showing no interest in practicing with the rest of the squad.
The point guard recently stated he’s not mentally ready to return to the court and will take some time before he steps on the Wells Fargo Center floor again. Allen Iverson has stated that the playmaker’s relationship with the fans is damaged, and he probably doesn’t want to deal with that.
That could be the main reason why he’s asking to get traded, and Charles Barkley recently claimed the 25-year-old would never play in Philly again. The link with the fans is too hurt and Chuck believes they’ll get retaliation sooner than later.
“Ben Simmons, I don’t think he can ever play in Philly again. I know those people there. I’ve been there since 1985. They’re not going to forgive and forget. If you know me, if you do something to me, I’m gonna get your ass back. It’s just a matter of time. I’m creeping around, waiting for the right moment. I ain’t not even lying, I’mma get your ass back.”
After four years with the team, Simmons’ shooting struggles earned him a lot of criticism after last season’s second-round series vs. the Atlanta Hawks. He failed to show up in crunch time and couldn’t make free throws. Many people blamed him for the Sixers’ elimination against Trae Young and co.
Nobody knows what will happen next with the Sixers, but nothing points out Simmons will be happy again playing in Philadelphia. The fans want to see some changes within the organization, but the front office wants to get the max return for Ben. Time will tell how this situation plays out.
