There has certainly been an abundance of Ben Simmons trade drama over the past few months.
Following Philadelphia’s swift exit from the 2021 playoffs, it was apparent that Ben’s days with the franchise were numbered.
But even after weeks of rumor and speculation, Ben has yet to be traded, partially due to his own performance in the Atlanta series and partially due to the comments made by Sixers coach Doc Rivers, who admitted back in June that he wasn’t sure if the young star could be the point guard for a championship-winning team.
“I don’t know the answer to that question right now.”
That comment has stuck in the minds of opposing GMs, who see it as a rather concerning sign.
“There are teams that are interested in Ben Simmons, they just don’t want to pay the steep price,” Keith Pompey said during an appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic. “Ben Simmons knows that, so they are saying why should we help the 76ers out when they feel like when Doc Rivers said what he said, nobody apologized, and Doc was never reprimanded.”
It’s understandable that Simmons would feel slighted by that comment. Instead of his coach sticking up for him, Doc pretty much threw him under the bus, and we’re seeing how it has impacted his trade value around the NBA.
Unsurprisingly, the relationship between Doc and Ben has already suffered pretty significant damage.
So, while there is no going back for Simmons and the Sixers, it seems both sides will be stuck with each other unless some other team decides to take a chance and make a trade.
With Daryl Morey’s price still reportedly unbelievably high, it has truly become a waiting game for everyone involved.
For Simmons especially, though, he’s going to have to prove he can still be the player many thought he’d become out of college. Nobody is sure where his ceiling is at anymore.
The only thing we know for sure is that a fresh start is what he really needs to jump-start his young career.
