Ben Simmons reportedly told 76ers he's dealing with back tightness amid standoff
Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons is reportedly dealing with back tightness after getting kicked out of practice Tuesday. Simmons reportedly told the 76ers he was dealing with the injury Thursday, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Simmons hasn't participated in many activities since reporting to the team. He took part in practice Sunday and Monday, but wasn't fully engaged. The situation escalated Tuesday, when Simmons was kicked out of practice for reportedly refusing to take part in a drill. He was suspended for the team's opener Wednesday, a 117-97 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The 76ers were not scheduled to practice Thursday, but Simmons was expected to take part in an individual workout. He did not, instead telling the team he was injured. The 76ers staff checked Simmons out and reportedly told him he was good to participate in workouts after he received treatment.
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
Simmons did not take part in his individual workout, instead leaving the team's facility.
Simmons reportedly did not complain of back issues prior to Thursday, according to Kyle Neubeck of the Philly Voice. Sources told Neubeck they expected Simmons to "use some sort of health explanation" to get out of playing Friday's game. Simmons' entry physical when he re-joined the team allegedly came back clean.
The team has not officially ruled Simmons out for Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets, although it seems unlikely Simmons will play considering he has only taken part in two full practices. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported Simmons will miss the game and "is not expected to play for an undetermined period of time."
Sources: 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons is currently not mentally ready to play for the team and was receiving treatment on his back today due to ramp up process. He will miss Friday’s home opener vs. Nets and is not expected to play for an undetermined period of time.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2021
Simmons will reportedly report to Friday shoot around early to discuss his playing status with the team, according to Wojnarowski.
All-Star guard Ben Simmons is expected to come early to the 76ers shootaround on Friday morning to discuss his playing status with organizational leadership, sources tell ESPN. Sixers play the Nets on ESPN and team is still hopeful that Simmons will participate in shootaround.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2021
The team is hopeful Simmons will take part in the shoot around prior to Friday's game.
Daryl Morey says Ben Simmons situation could last a long time
Team president Daryl Morey appeared on a radio program Thursday to discuss the situation, and told fans it could be a long time before things get resolved. Morey said teams are currently offering role players for Simmons, and the 76ers don't want to deal Simmons for role players.
Daryl Morey on @MikeMiss25: “People should buckle in.” Says the team can only get role players in a trade now, will only trade him for a difference maker.
“What’s our best chance to win a championship? Right now it’s re-integrating Ben Simmons to our time.”— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) October 21, 2021
Morey added that his ultimate goal is to win a championship, and he feels the 76ers have the best odds with Simmons. Morey indicated he wanted to work things out with Simmons, but added the situation could last "four years." No, really.
Morey on his timeline: "You're going to think I'm kidding, I'm not. This could (go on for) 4 years. ... We're in the prime of Joel's career...Either Ben Simmons is playing for us, or we have to get back a difference maker."
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) October 21, 2021
Ben Simmons stuck in stalemate with 76ers
The 76ers and Simmons are at odds after the team was eliminated from the playoffs last season. Simmons was criticized by head coach Doc Rivers and star Joel Embiid after Simmons passed up easy shots and struggled at the free-throw line during the series against the Atlanta Hawks.
Simmons reportedly told the team he wanted a trade in the offseason. The 76ers allegedly shopped Simmons, but did not get a deal they wanted. Simmons decided to hold out at the start of camp, but returned to the team after fines piled up.
Simmons' return hasn't fixed anything, and it has reached a point where players from other Philadelphia teams are giving him advice. A trade feels like the best solution at this point, and things are going to be extremely awkward in Philadelphia until that happens.
