According to reports, Ben Simmons feels his career will be better off if he stops sharing touches with Joel Embiid. Given Simmons’ style of play and how it can create issues for him and Embiid, the point guard considers he should move on from the Philadelphia 76ers.
The player is done with anything related to the Sixers after a tumultuous 2020/21 season. The relationship is unsalvageable now, more so after Embiid said the franchise always tried to please Simmons’ needs, making big mistakes when dealing with other players.
All these remarks only fuel rumors that Ben is living his last days as a Sixer. He’s now ready to shine without Embiid, and even though people believe he can’t be great without the Cameroonian, Simmons has had terrific games when JoJo has rested.
Keith Pompey (via NBA Central) pointed specific games where Simmons went off when Embiid was inactive, including a 42-point game against the Jazz last season and a 30+ PT triple-double against the Brooklyn Nets in 2020.
League sources pointed out some of Ben Simmons’ best games without Embiid:
• 42 PTS – 12 AST – 9 REB vs. Utah in 2021
• 34 PTS – 12 AST – 12 REB – 5 STL – 2 BLK vs. Brooklyn in 2020
• 8 game winning streak in 2018 and averaged 15.6p – 9.5r – 9.3a – 2.0s
League sources pointed out some of Ben Simmons’ best games without Embiid:
• 42 PTS – 12 AST – 9 REB vs Utah in 2021
• 34 PTS – 12 AST – 12 REB – 5 STL – 2 BLK vs Brooklyn in 2020
• 8 game winning streak in 2018 and averaged 15.6p – 9.5r – 9.3a – 2.0s
(@PompeyOnSixers) pic.twitter.com/SM67pByyfD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 2, 2021
Even though he posted those big games without Embiid, that doesn’t mean he always performs excellent without the big man on the court. In 68 games, Simmons has averaged 17.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists without Joel Embiid during his career, per StatMuse.
Simmons will have to prove that he can lead a team to the playoff if given a chance. The Sixers have been considered Embiid’s team and even though they worked to please Ben, that’s the perception around that squad.
The 25-year-old is ready to move on and start a new chapter in his career with a new team. Things aren’t clear right now, but everything points out the Australian will leave the Sixers sooner than later.
