As we get ever closer to the start of the NBA season, one thing is becoming abundantly clear: Ben Simmons really doesn't want to play for the Philadelphia 76ers anymore.
The All-Star player hasn't been happy in Philly for a while and that was made all the worse in the last post-season when he was putting up abysmal numbers and looked like a shadow of his former self. 76er fans were more than happy to hear the rumors that he was going to be traded. Yet, no trade deal has come to pass. However, we are now learning that Simmons is straight-up refusing to even attend training camp and never "intends to never play another game for the franchise" according to ESPN.
What happens if when Simmons leaves Philadelphia? Even though the team looks down upon him now, will they miss him once he's gone? Let's take a look at his number from last season.
Those numbers are...not bad. Is Simmons getting an unfair wrap? He has some legitimately great games, including a February 15th clinic when he created 42 points and 9 rebounds. And while he never again reached those heights, he had a few other great games up his sleeve. It's just that he fell apart in the post-season, although his defensive power never entirely faded. The truth of the matter is that Simmons had a whole handful of stand-out games.
Now, look at the Philly schedule from last season.
May 26: Philly wins 120 to 95. Simmons scored 22 points.
March 3: The 76ers triumph 131-123. Simmons scored 17 points.
May 2: Philadelphia comes out on top, 113-111. Simmons scored 5.
Those are just a few examples of games where Simmons's output made the difference and helped push the team over the edge. There is a good chance they wouldn't have won any of those without the assistance of Simmons. So who will fill the void now that it looks like his time in Philadelphia is coming to an end?
There are plenty of good shooters in Philly and it's likely Simmons will be replaced with a player who can make shots. But it's ignorant to say that Simmons was always a waste for the 76ers. In fact, he was a substantial asset to the team for a long time. It's just that he fell apart as the season wore on and that left a very bad taste in everyone's mouth. It's time for both parties to move on.
The few Ben Simmons fans still in existence should be optimistic for the future of this star. He is a strong player and there is a good chance he will prove that again. It just won't be in Philadelphia.
As we get ever closer to the start of the NBA season, one thing is becoming abundantly clear: Ben Simmons really doesn't want to play for the Philadelphia 76ers anymore.
The All-Star player hasn't been happy in Philly for a while and that was made all the worse in the last post-season when he was putting up abysmal numbers and looked like a shadow of his former self. 76er fans were more than happy to hear the rumors that he was going to be traded. Yet, no trade deal has come to pass. However, we are now learning that Simmons is straight-up refusing to even attend training camp and never "intends to never play another game for the franchise" according to ESPN.
What happens
ifwhen Simmons leaves Philadelphia? Even though the team looks down upon him now, will they miss him once he's gone? Let's take a look at his number from last season.Those numbers are...not bad. Is Simmons getting an unfair wrap? He has some legitimately great games, including a February 15th clinic when he created 42 points and 9 rebounds. And while he never again reached those heights, he had a few other great games up his sleeve. It's just that he fell apart in the post-season, although his defensive power never entirely faded. The truth of the matter is that Simmons had a whole handful of stand-out games.
Now, look at the Philly schedule from last season.
May 26: Philly wins 120 to 95. Simmons scored 22 points.
March 3: The 76ers triumph 131-123. Simmons scored 17 points.
May 2: Philadelphia comes out on top, 113-111. Simmons scored 5.
Those are just a few examples of games where Simmons's output made the difference and helped push the team over the edge. There is a good chance they wouldn't have won any of those without the assistance of Simmons. So who will fill the void now that it looks like his time in Philadelphia is coming to an end?
There are plenty of good shooters in Philly and it's likely Simmons will be replaced with a player who can make shots. But it's ignorant to say that Simmons was always a waste for the 76ers. In fact, he was a substantial asset to the team for a long time. It's just that he fell apart as the season wore on and that left a very bad taste in everyone's mouth. It's time for both parties to move on.
The few Ben Simmons fans still in existence should be optimistic for the future of this star. He is a strong player and there is a good chance he will prove that again. It just won't be in Philadelphia.
No need to sift through the clutter.
Just use the prop cheatsheet.
Great point, Yammer. So what if he is horrible at free throws and jump shots. He can still be a great return on investment for a team that uses him well.