The Philadelphia 76ers are currently 3-2 on the year, good for 8th place in the Eastern Conference. Part of the reason for their early season woes has been the drama playing out between Ben Simmons and the front office.
Over the summer, Simmons demanded a trade after feeling like he was disrespected by head coach Doc Rivers and fellow star Joel Embiid. He threatened to hold out for as long as it took to get what he wanted, only to completely fold when the organization put a bit of financial pressure on him.
Upon his return, Simmons was immediately thrown out of practice by Rivers. He subsequently claimed he was experiencing mental health issues, and has been sitting ever since.
Philly clearly wants to trade Simmons, but is holding out until the desired asking price is met.
This week 76ers legend Allen Iverson weighed in on the ongoing struggle between Simmons and the 76ers.
Allen Iverson STRONG on #BenSimmons
“I think the connection w/ the fans got out of hand and that’s what (Ben) didn’t want to have to deal with. My whole thing w/ our fans is-we w/ you if you with us. But when we feel like u don’t want to be with us…”#Sixers #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/KIU49Lk94D
— Ducis Rodgers (@duciswild) October 27, 2021
“I think the connection with the fans got out of hand, and that’s what (Ben) didn’t want to have to deal with. My whole thing with our fans is we with you if you with us. But when we feel like you don’t want to be with us…”
This isn’t the first time Iverson has discussed what’s transpiring between the Sixers and Simmons. He delivered a fairly blunt 7-word message to the 25-year-old recently, only to follow that up with an equally stern message for the 76ers.
Yikes. https://t.co/EIaQ4XqBLs
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 29, 2021
One way or another, it will be interesting to see how this situation ultimately unfolds. Clearly a resolution of some sort is needed, but achieving one is easier said than done.
Related: Kyrie Irving Breaks Silence With Mysterious Post Amid Nets Struggles
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
