The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Sixers suspend ‘distraction’ Simmons
A disappointment in the postseason and a distraction in the offseason, Ben Simmons Tuesday officially became a regular-season problem for the 76ers.
His disinterest in playing another game in a Philadelphia uniform widely understood, Simmons was tossed from practice by Doc Rivers Tuesday, then suspended for the regular-season opener Wednesday night at 8 in New Orleans.
Simmons was a holdout as training camp begun, but returned to camp last week. Though Rivers closes his practices to the press, some leaked video appeared to show Simmons expressing disinterest in on-court workouts. Informally
scheduled to address the media Tuesday, as an obligation of the standard contract, Simmons passed, with reports confirming that his dismissal was due to his work-hours indifference.
The official Sixers statement: “Ben Simmons has been suspended for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. As a result, Simmons will miss the 76ers’ season opener at New Orleans tomorrow night.”
Despite Simmons’ recent return, the Sixers had been readying second-year guard Tyrese Maxey to replace him in the starting lineup, and thus were prepared to begin the season with a new point guard.
Simmons’ alleged behavior in Camden, however, added a new layer of team disturbance.
“At the end of the day, our job is not to babysit somebody,” Joel Embiid said after practice. “We get paid for just going on the court and playing hard and win some games. That’s how we get paid. We don’t get paid to come out here and try to babysit somebody.
“That’s not my job. And I’m sure my teammates feel that way.”
Rivers long has projected support for Simmons, famously badgering fans last season to “celebrate” his talents, subtly accusing them of not appreciating his many on-court benefits. Simmons, though, lacks the interest in attempting outside shots, is so unreliable from the free throw line that opposing coaches send him there on purpose, and oddly chose