The Ben Simmons saga is over since March, but every now and then we hear some comments that might be taken as a shot at the Australian point guard. It can be from former teammates and those who had issues with him; a lot of people take their opportunity to diss Simmons, no matter how long it’s been since he left the Sixers.
He found his way to Brooklyn last March after his relationship with the Sixers got destroyed following the infamous 2021 collapse against the Atlanta Hawks in the playoff. Ever since that moment, Ben got distant from his team, ultimately forcing his exit from the squad.
It seems like many hold grudges against Simmons, and after many months, they haven’t forgotten about the player, including his former boss Daryl Morey.
Daryl Morey Isn’t Done Taking Shots At Ben Simmons
The current Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations recently talked about the players the team has on the roster, going deep on what they need to succeed in a city like Philadelphia. While addressing this, he apparently took a jab at Simmons. During a recent interview, Morey stated:
"I’d say the biggest surprise is the players who can’t play here”
“I really do pay attention to the mindset of players. Can they handle playing in Philadelphia? Because I do think it’s a different thing”
🎧Pod with Daryl Morey on Sixers offseason moves⬇️https://t.co/2DH3zYwmfw pic.twitter.com/ycVk75RXZf
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 15, 2022
“And I never understood this, being in Houston when people would say, ‘Oh, you need to have a special mindset to play in Philly. You need to have a special mindset to play in, maybe, New York.’ Although I think that’s less true. Honestly, I can only speak to Philadelphia because I’ve been here now. I do think, I really do pay attention to the mindset of the players. Can they handle playing in Philadelphia? Because I do think it’s a different thing,” Morey said on an episode of The Take Off with John Clark on September 13.
He also explained that at the time of building a roster, he needs to take some things into account, doubling down on his initial comments about players who can go out and thrive in Philly.
“I’d say the biggest surprise are the players who can’t play here. It’s actually not helpful to me. The more options I have, the better. But I do think I’m starting to learn and I do love it about Philadelphia, ‘cause I do think it gets the best out of our team. And I’ve seen it with not only our team, the Eagles, and the Phillies,” Morey explained.
It’s very obvious that Simmons isn’t the most beloved player in Philadelphia, and Morey’s words can confirm that. He’s returning to the City of Brotherly Love this upcoming season and everybody will be ready to let him know how hated he is after giving up on the squad.
