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The biggest storyline of the NBA offseason has been Ben Simmons and his inevitable departure from the Philadelphia 76ers. Today, 76ers head coach Doc Rivers sat down to chat with ESPN’s First Take about the situation involving Ben Simmons and the team. Here’s what coach Rivers had to say on the matter:
Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons informing the 76ers that he wants to be traded;
"I can tell you up front, we would love to get Ben back. And if we can, we're going to try to do that. pic.twitter.com/JeWoIE3W7U
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 22, 2021
Rivers said the news about Simmons telling the organization he wants out is indeed true. Simmons has been dissatisfied with the organization since the seasons’ end. The 76ers finished the NBA regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference. Their playoff run was less than ideal as the team took a second-round exit to the surging Atlanta Hawks. In the wake of the series loss, Simmons dealt with most of the scrutiny about the playoff series. The damage seems to be done, but that doesn’t mean Rivers doesn’t want to see his former All-Star point guard return to Philadelphia.
Breaking: Ben Simmons will not report to training camp next week.
He “intends to never play another game” for the 76ers, sources tell @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/zjhLkz8gd2
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 21, 2021
Rivers can wish to have Simmons all he wants this season, but it seems Simmons has already drawn his line in the sand. Simmons will not be reporting to training camp next week, as the pressure now seems to be mounting on the organization. This breakup could be exactly what both sides need. A fresh start can sometimes lead to better things. Simmons wearing another jersey next season seems like it’s already a done deal.
