In the world of professional sports, there are a few key terms that have been around for decades. One of these is “market value.” The idea behind market value is simple: if a player has a certain number of points per year and they command a salary in the millions, then they are worth their annual salary. However, this doesn’t mean that every player with a high market value is actually good at what they do.
Some of the Philadelphia 76ers’ summer decisions are likely to be regretted. Rather than trading Ben Simmons, the Sixers decided to keep their star point guard in the hopes that he would want to play. Simmons, on the other hand, has returned to practice, been thrown out of practice, and been suspended for the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.
For all the wrong reasons, Simmons is the buzz of the basketball world. Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley have now entered the fray, slamming the sixth-year guard on national television.
Ben Simmons’ offseason has been a complete disaster.
Documentation: Doc Today, Rivers invited Ben Simmons to participate in a defensive exercise. Simmons flatly declined. Rivers inquired once again. Simmons declined once again.
Rivers then ordered Simmons to go home, and Simmons did so, dropping the ball and walking away.
October 19, 2021 — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
Prior to having a bad offseason, Simmons had a bad playoffs. The 76ers’ second-round loss to the Atlanta Hawks was largely due to the guard’s inability to shoot or even attempt shots.
The guard has been begging to be let free since he was made a scapegoat. Simmons wants a new start someplace else, away from the club that selected him first overall in 2016. Until recently, the Sixers have made an effort to comply. Philly had discussions with clubs about the disgruntled All-Star, but the asking price was just too much to secure a significant position. Instead of joining a new team, Simmons was trapped with his old one, and if he didn’t report to them, he would lose a large amount of money.
Simmons finally returned to practice, but he was no longer a team player. According to reports, the guard was disengaged and exerted little effort. Doc Rivers had had enough, ejecting the 25-year-old from the gym and suspending him for the season opener.
Rivers stated Tuesday, “I simply felt he was a distraction today.” “I didn’t believe he wanted to do the same thing as everyone else.” It was early in the morning. It wasn’t a major issue. I simply told him he needed to get out of here. We continued to practice.”
Ben Simmons was slammed by Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.
Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal (L-R) voiced their displeasure with Philadelphia 76ers player Ben Simmons. | Getty Images/Kevin Mazur | WireImage/Karwai Tang
The NBA on TNT team jumped right into the middle of the Simmons controversy, which was dominating the headlines. Both Shaq and Charles had opinions, as expected.
“Last year, Kenny made a fantastic argument,” O’Neal remarked. “Just because we pay certain people a lot of money doesn’t imply they’re good players.” He’s not a terrific player, but he’s a competent one. When they asked Doc Rivers whether he could win the title with Ben, he made the expression. Ben’s emotions have been wounded. He’s no longer interested in being there.”
“It’s a joke,” she says. “It’s ridiculous and dumb,” Barkley remarked. “It’s a pretty fair thing when people want you to be a great basketball player and they’re paying you $35, $40 million to do it.” … Because basketball is your job, you should strive to improve as a player. That is your responsibility.”
In 2019, soon after his second full season with the 76ers, Simmons signed a max contract with the club. He has four years and $147 million left on his contract.
The Simmons saga will come to a dreadful conclusion.
To put it simply, Ben Simmons has been unprofessional. Surprisingly, his actions have harmed his trade worth and reputation, making it much more difficult to transfer him for any reasonable price, which he professes to want.
October 19, 2021 — Jay Bilas (@JayBilas)
It’s uncertain when the saga between Simmons and the 76ers will conclude. But it’s safe to assume that when it happens, it won’t be beautiful.
The Sixers will have to accept much less than their rumored asking price of several first-round selections and players at this point. Other teams know Simmons will make it difficult for them to justify playing him, so they have no leverage. Meanwhile, Simmons’ own value has plummeted, making him a high-priced player that clubs aren’t exactly clamoring to acquire.
If and when Simmons is traded, the unhappy star will be relieved, the Sixers will be relieved, and the rest of the basketball world will be eager to move on to the next chapter: his first game back in Philadelphia as a guest. Please send Shaq, Charles, and the rest of the TNT team to cover the game for everyone’s benefit.
Basketball Reference provided all statistics, while Spotrac provided contract numbers.
Ben Simmons’ Embarrassing Attempt to Start a War With the 76ers Is Obliterated by Joel Embiid He Isn’t Going to Win: ‘I don’t give a damn about that guy…’ I’m not here to look after your children.’
