Cranky Doc arcs up over Simmons
PHILADELPHIA head coach Doc Rivers has snapped during the 76ers media day as Ben Simmons questions inevitably arrived.
In Simmons’ absence, Rivers was faced with questions about the team’s estranged point guard and his whereabouts.
Rivers – who made it clear he wants Simmons to remain in Philadelphia, despite his request for a trade – became aggravated with a reporter who interrupted him while talking about the situation.
Rivers was discussing a quote he gave after the 76ers were eliminated in the playoffs; he was asked if he thought Simmons was a championship point guard and responded, in part: “I don’t know the answer to that.”
The coach claimed the comments were taken out of context.
“Listen we can go back and forth all you want or anybody else wants, on intent, but I’ve never had a problem owning what I say, ever,” Rivers said before a reporter tried to interject.
“I’m gonna finish,” Rivers said when the reporter began talking over him. “I’m in charge here. I’m gonna finish.”
Simmons was a no-show at Philadelphia’s media day, after it was reported last week that he will not attend training camp and does not want to play for the Sixers.
He has four years left on his $177m ($A242m) max contract.