Ben Simmons is letting his actions do the talking.
If it was up to him, those actions would have him anywhere else right now but still with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Yes, the NBA is back — and so is the drama.
While waiting for Tuesday night’s opening night tipoff, between the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, news broke of the 76ers suspending Simmons for conduct detrimental to the team.
The team announced late in Tuesday’s practice that Simmons has been suspended one game. He’ll serve this suspension for the opening game on Philadelphia’s schedule, Wednesday against the Pelicans.
Per multiple reports, Simmons was thrown out of the team’s practice by head coach Doc Rivers after declining several times to sub in for a drill.
What led to this, however, was inevitable.
For four months now, Simmons has made clear his request for the Sixers to trade him remains a request. Furthermore, his actions have made that request more of a demand than anything else.
The Sixers have held their stance. For them, any trade scenario involving Simmons must bring equal value.
Meanwhile, until that happens, Rivers and the team’s front office remain hopeful this man wakes up one morning with a change of heart.
They’re holding on to the belief they’re title contenders with Simmons all-in for the ride.
But what we’ve seen from Simmons, however, is he’s all-in for the smoke.
The Sixers have fined him multiple times for missed practices, on-court workouts, and meetings. After finally reporting to work, he’s doing everything possible to show he’s there – but only on his time.
The man wants out of Philly, and that’s the bottom line.
You can fine him, send him home, or decline his trade request – but Simmons has shown he’s in full Jimmy Crack Corn mode.
That’s not a scenario where any interested team gives equal value. If you were a general manager or team owner, would you?
This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone watching from the outside.
When your player tells you he no longer wants to be part of the team, see them to the door and thank them for their time.
Rivers and the front office have tried to make the peace, now it’s time for the breakup.
The longer the Sixers wait to move Simmons, the more of a distraction this becomes for them.
