5 hours ago, mr_hunt said:

[Shams Charania]Sources: 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons is currently not mentally ready to play for the team and was receiving treatment on his back today due to ramp up process. He will miss Friday’s home opener vs. Nets and is not expected to play for an undetermined period of time.

 

 

 

[Adrian Wojnarowski] The Sixers' medical staff cleared Simmons to participate in the workout after the back treatment, sources tell ESPN. The Sixers had hoped to see Simmons in the workout today and have him go through shoot-around on Friday morning prior to game vs. Nets.

So if he was cleared and then refused to practice, can the Sixers now fine him and suspend him again? 

1 hour ago, e-a-g-l-e-s eagles! said:

I thought it was interesting conversation on 97.5 today they were discussing there’s been some rumors (i guess told to Tyrone via nba circles) the owners might have a work stoppage. Not sure how truthful it is but the owners want to try and either amend or rip up the current CBA in order to prevent something like what Ben Simmons is doing with 4 years left on a max contract and 1 year into the max contract. If that actually happened Ben could successfully piss off the rest of the nba and players which could effect wherever he goes next and plays with. 

Yep. I heard that on the Mike Miss show. Clearly no other team wants to go through this. 

 

 

10 minutes ago, mr_hunt said:

 

 

Lol he is delusional he isn't getting a difference maker for Simmons. 

3 minutes ago, Bwestbrook36 said:

Lol he is delusional he isn't getting a difference maker for Simmons. 

So then the only other option is for Ben to play with the Sixers. If he refuses, he gets fined. No play, No pay. For 4 years. 

1 minute ago, jsdarkstar said:

So then the only other option is for Ben to play with the Sixers. If he refuses, he gets fined. No play, No pay. For 4 years. 

Pretty much yes. I highly doubt Morey really let's this go on for that long though. He is just making a push to get Ben to play 

48 minutes ago, jsdarkstar said:

So then the only other option is for Ben to play with the Sixers. If he refuses, he gets fined. No play, No pay. For 4 years. 

The unfortunate part of this is, thats the 6ers end game, and Im not really sure how many fans would even like that.

I dont ever want to see Simmons play another game for this team. Its not even because of this ridiculous temper tantrum. Its because I am sick of him holding the team back on the court.

Id so much rather watch Maxey grow. And Joe. And watch the improved depth help close out games. Its so much more fun than watching Simmons stop the ball on his own offense so he can turn around for an under hand pass to a 3 point shooter and then hear people rave about how many 3pt assists he makes.  Im just tired of watching his sucky brand of basketball. Watching literally anyone else is a more attractive option to me.

Last night I watched our game and checked box scores. I saw Brogdon with 28 and 11 assists. I thought, seeing what we saw of the 6ers tonight, imagine adding that performance to the starting lineup and having Maxey off the bench. It makes me annoyed that we havent done a deal for even that level of player yet. 

26 minutes ago, Bwestbrook36 said:

Pretty much yes. I highly doubt Morey really let's this go on for that long though. He is just making a push to get Ben to play 

Can't blame him, that's the only way Ben will improve his trade value, and make it more likely another team is will give up a star player that can help our team. If that offer doesn't materialize his only other option is sit out for 4 years or play and reach free agency and earn 170 million. Seems like a no brainer. 

49 minutes ago, Bwestbrook36 said:

Pretty much yes. I highly doubt Morey really let's this go on for that long though. He is just making a push to get Ben to play 

He needs to stop. Let him sit, or trade him. Getting him to play is the only unattractive option. 

If they went through last years playoffs and still think they want him to play because it makes them a title contender, they would have to be some of the stupidest coach/FO currently in the league.

10 minutes ago, HazletonEagle said:

He needs to stop. Let him sit, or trade him. Getting him to play is the only unattractive option. 

If they went through last years playoffs and still think they want him to play because it makes them a title contender, they would have to be some of the stupidest coach/FO currently in the league.

I think they know. They’re not stupid. They obviously need to have this position publicly though. 

 

 

20 minutes ago, HazletonEagle said:

He needs to stop. Let him sit, or trade him. Getting him to play is the only unattractive option. 

If they went through last years playoffs and still think they want him to play because it makes them a title contender, they would have to be some of the stupidest coach/FO currently in the league.

Does his salary still count against the cap even if he isn't playing? If it does then he will be passing on adding more talent to the team for a guy that doesn't even play.

Taking up valuable cap for a guy that doesn't play isn't really the best decision either. Especially not for 4 yrs. Morey is trying to get something out of this but, nothing seems to be working.

Something has to give sooner or later and him sitting for 4 yrs is unrealistic just as much as morey thinking he still can get Beal or Lillard at this point. 

I'm in full support of them punishing Ben as much as possible and making him look as dumb as possible but, like I said something has to give one way or another. This day to day circus of practice is gonna get old and ridiculous very quickly. 

 

1 hour ago, HazletonEagle said:

The unfortunate part of this is, thats the 6ers end game, and Im not really sure how many fans would even like that.

I dont ever want to see Simmons play another game for this team. Its not even because of this ridiculous temper tantrum. Its because I am sick of him holding the team back on the court.

Id so much rather watch Maxey grow. And Joe. And watch the improved depth help close out games. Its so much more fun than watching Simmons stop the ball on his own offense so he can turn around for an under hand pass to a 3 point shooter and then hear people rave about how many 3pt assists he makes.  Im just tired of watching his sucky brand of basketball. Watching literally anyone else is a more attractive option to me.

Last night I watched our game and checked box scores. I saw Brogdon with 28 and 11 assists. I thought, seeing what we saw of the 6ers tonight, imagine adding that performance to the starting lineup and having Maxey off the bench. It makes me annoyed that we havent done a deal for even that level of player yet. 

This is a vindictive city...I am guessing many will like it

 

Why Ben Simmons isn't the top prospect in the 2016 NBA draft

 

By Jonathan Givony of The VERTICAL Yahoo Sports

Long before some of the loudest but most uninformed voices anointed Ben Simmons the next LeBron James or Magic Johnson, there was already a significant debate within NBA front offices about whether Simmons was even the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. As the flaws in Simmons’ game became more apparent for LSU this season, the question has never changed: Who’s No. 1 in June?

For several reasons, Simmons’ candidacy as the No. 1 overall prospect is in peril.

1. Simmons’ lack of competitiveness in some crucial games has raised questions about his character as a basketball player. While many top picks succumb to the NBA star lifestyle and emerge as average competitors, it’s rare to see that at the collegiate level. From Blake Griffin to Michael Beasley to Carmelo Anthony, those elite college players were rarely questioned about their drive during their collegiate careers. Simmons has displayed an apathy for defense, contact and delivering winning plays in crucial moments. Those troubling revelations in Simmons’ game are cause for concern among decision-makers on lottery teams with whom we’ve had contact.

Here’s what NBA teams wonder: If Simmons cares so little about winning crucial college road games at Tennessee or Kentucky that could have delivered LSU to the NCAA tournament, how much will he consistently care about competing over a far more physically and mentally draining 82-game pro season? Truth be told, Simmons will almost assuredly be on a bad team that will need to fight every night to win games.

2. Simmons’ box scores have grown increasingly hollow. One NBA executive described him as a "taller Rajon Rondo, a more athletic Evan Turner, or a skinnier Royce White.” Simmons has displayed a penchant for stat-mongering like few players in recent memory, seeming to pad his numbers in blowouts. At times, it appears he only passes when guaranteed an assist and chases home-run plays at inopportune times in search of a highlight. Simmons seems to value those things over winning.

Simmons’ porous defense is masked by his gaudy steal and block numbers. But when watching him closely, it’s clear that no opposing player or coach fears attacking him. As Simmons rarely makes the effort to close out on shooters, put a body on opposing big men, or offer much beyond gambling wildly swiping for steals, his lack of intensity is amplified. He has wonderful anticipation skills as a rebounder and will wow you with his instincts in passing lanes. But overall, Simmons hasn’t shown the length, toughness and inclination to emerge as an asset on the defensive end.

Simmons’ short wingspan (measured 6-foot-11 at the Nike Hoop Summit in April and the Nike Skills Academy in June) won’t help him play power forward on an NBA lottery team. To make up for his lack of length, he’ll have to display a much higher activity level than what he’s shown in college.

3. The report on defending Simmons in the half-court is well known and has been utilized effectively in recent weeks. Teams are putting smaller players on Simmons, backing off him and daring him to shoot. Simmons seems to have zero confidence in his outside shot and becomes passive when guarded this way.

For his size (6-10), Simmons is a gifted ball-handler. He has an incredible ability to change speeds, get to the rim and finish in transition. In the half-court, things haven’t been quite as easy against better teams, particularly late in games. There are real questions about pairing Simmons with other ball-handlers or non-shooters in the NBA. Does drafting Simmons in the high lottery mean a team needs to trade the likes of D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jahlil Okafor or Dario Saric?

4. The concerns about Simmons’ character didn’t magically appear the moment he arrived on campus in Baton Rouge. Those sentiments also have been expressed by members of the Australian national team who have spent time with him at the junior and senior levels. Australian players and coaches who have been around him don’t speak about him in flattering terms, calling him "the Yank” to highlight how different he is compared with most of the players from that country, and perhaps highlight how much moving to the United States at a young age and immersing himself in the AAU world has shaped him.

Those who know him best say he needs things to revolve around him on and off the court and that he's often been close-minded to coaching or instruction. Can all this be blamed on LSU? Check out the "mentality” section of Simmons’ "weaknesses” breakdown.

The uncertainty surrounding Simmons has cleared the way for Duke forward Brandon Ingram to be considered the No. 1 overall prospect.

Ingram is 14 months younger than Simmons, has a longer wingspan by four inches and a standing reach six and a half inches higher. Ingram is a better shooter – which is perhaps the most important skill in today’s NBA – and has shown a much better trajectory throughout the college season. The intel on Ingram as a teammate and competitor has been much stronger than Simmons’. Yes, Ingram has a much more frail frame now, but it’s easy to envision him filling out as he ages and matures.

There is still plenty of time for Simmons to improve his approach to the game and reach his potential. Although he's not the generational talent he's been sold as by some, he's a unique prospect who could emerge as an incredible asset to a team down the road if he's willing to address his flaws.

If Simmons had a far stronger preliminary case in November to become the No. 1 overall pick in June, our recent conversations with NBA executives have offered a far different reality for Simmons. There may never be a consensus choice for the first pick in this draft, but make no mistake: The debate is on, and the overhyping of Simmons has made its reckoning. Ingram has played himself into the debate, and it promises to rage into late June.

 

 

9 hours ago, mr_hunt said:

 

 

Basically Morey is asking Ben to come back to play because his temper tantrums won't work and is Ben willing to do this circus for four years. 

Ben just needs to show up, play hard, show he has value, and will be traded. 

7 hours ago, barho said:

This is a vindictive city...I am guessing many will like it

I don't mean letting him sit 4 years.  I mean Moreys goal of getting him to play.  Who wants that?

2 hours ago, HazletonEagle said:

I don't mean letting him sit 4 years.  I mean Moreys goal of getting him to play.  Who wants that?

not embiid, not the players that are here that want to win, eventually they are going to want out. i mean what organization does this type of stuff? that's telling your players you have to wait for 4 years to win a championship especially embiid, embiid wants to win now not wait four years when his career could be over at that time. morey is clearly ignoring the players and thinking about himself, because they can easily get assets back for him and trade them for star. clearly the fo is choosing ben.

you think ed snider once owned the sixers would tolerate this? heck no. he would want the best possible package and trade the assets for a star, he would never neglect his own team.

 

 

I truly think Morey will simply let him continue to sit for as long as it takes to get a deal that he feels is fair. 
 

I think the only thing that may change his mind is if a group of players, including Embiid, go to him and flat out tell him that they need him to be gone. 
 

I think the league is going to be backing Morey’s stance 100% here. At some point SOMEBODY had to take a stand against these clowns trying to force their way out with several years left on their max contracts. 

22 minutes ago, nipples said:

I truly think Morey will simply let him continue to sit for as long as it takes to get a deal that he feels is fair. 
 

I think the only thing that may change his mind is if a group of players, including Embiid, go to him and flat out tell him that they need him to be gone. 
 

I think the league is going to be backing Morey’s stance 100% here. At some point SOMEBODY had to take a stand against these clowns trying to force their way out with several years left on their max contracts. 

thats fine. But stop trying to get him to play. No one wants that other than stupid Morey and Doc.

13 hours ago, e-a-g-l-e-s eagles! said:

I thought it was interesting conversation on 97.5 today they were discussing there’s been some rumors (i guess told to Tyrone via nba circles) the owners might have a work stoppage. Not sure how truthful it is but the owners want to try and either amend or rip up the current CBA in order to prevent something like what Ben Simmons is doing with 4 years left on a max contract and 1 year into the max contract. If that actually happened Ben could successfully piss off the rest of the nba and players which could effect wherever he goes next and plays with. 

cool. So even less leverage for Morey lol.

11 hours ago, HazletonEagle said:

The unfortunate part of this is, thats the 6ers end game, and Im not really sure how many fans would even like that.

I dont ever want to see Simmons play another game for this team. Its not even because of this ridiculous temper tantrum. Its because I am sick of him holding the team back on the court.

Id so much rather watch Maxey grow. And Joe. And watch the improved depth help close out games. Its so much more fun than watching Simmons stop the ball on his own offense so he can turn around for an under hand pass to a 3 point shooter and then hear people rave about how many 3pt assists he makes.  Im just tired of watching his sucky brand of basketball. Watching literally anyone else is a more attractive option to me.

Last night I watched our game and checked box scores. I saw Brogdon with 28 and 11 assists. I thought, seeing what we saw of the 6ers tonight, imagine adding that performance to the starting lineup and having Maxey off the bench. It makes me annoyed that we havent done a deal for even that level of player yet. 

well said. The players have to be ready to move onto a more traditional offense as well, rather this clunky one that revolves around this **** player. 

2 hours ago, HazletonEagle said:

I don't mean letting him sit 4 years.  I mean Moreys goal of getting him to play.  Who wants that?

this is kinda worrisome if Morey is being truthful in that being the goal. The fans have moved on. The players seem to be enjoying themselves and the offense without him around and dragging everything down. One step back for two steps forward is probably Moreys goal here, but if that step back involves Ben playing again for this team I just don't see anyway that leads to a positive outcome in terms of his trade value. If anything he'll get dinged up a game or two into returning, and then milk that as long as he can until a trade materializes. 

24 minutes ago, nipples said:

I truly think Morey will simply let him continue to sit for as long as it takes to get a deal that he feels is fair. 
 

I think the only thing that may change his mind is if a group of players, including Embiid, go to him and flat out tell him that they need him to be gone. 
 

I think the league is going to be backing Morey’s stance 100% here. At some point SOMEBODY had to take a stand against these clowns trying to force their way out with several years left on their max contracts. 

I didn't believe this at all until yesterday's radio interview. If Morey was so freely speaking about this on the radio for everyone to hear imagine the conversations he's having with Rich Paul behind closed doors. Almost always the GMs/coaches whoever plead the fifth on these things and say thats personal/team matters that they're handling. This guy let it all hang out though. Makes you think something else is going on, or just that he knows he has a lot of backing behind him, and he's not bending over backwards to the "star" player in this situation. Which is foreign as hell, in 2021 NBA trade talk. These players have ran the show in these situations and the teams just allowed them to. Until now. 

2 minutes ago, JBENT87 said:

I didn't believe this at all until yesterday's radio interview. If Morey was so freely speaking about this on the radio for everyone to hear imagine the conversations he's having with Rich Paul behind closed doors. Almost always the GMs/coaches whoever plead the fifth on these things and say thats personal/team matters that they're handling. This guy let it all hang out though. Makes you think something else is going on, or just that he knows he has a lot of backing behind him, and he's not bending over backwards to the "star" player in this situation. Which is foreign as hell, in 2021 NBA trade talk. These players have ran the show in these situations and the teams just allowed them to. Until now. 

I think the difference here is the players who have run the show in the past were actually good and had value.

One of the problems for Morey is that Ben still counts against the Cap, whether he plays or not. 

That means they will be unable to sign any superstar free agents. 

At some point, Embiid is going to tell Morey to bring in some superstar help or trade me too. Because his window is closing.

I believe Simmons will be traded at the Dead Line and Morey will have to pull the trigger on the best deal he can get at that time. The good news is once the cry baby is traded, cap room then opens up to sign a superstar free agent at the end of this season. 

5 minutes ago, BirdsFanBill said:

I think the difference here is the players who have run the show in the past were actually good and had value.

They also weren't doing it after the first year of a max contract.  They were nearing the end and made it clear they wouldn't resign with their team.  Much better leverage than throwing a temper tantrum one year into it because you sucked in the playoffs.  Ben doesn't have nearly the leverage or pedigree some of those other players had.  He's just an immature clown who is more interested in the life of a star and his reputation than the game of basketball.  Now both his rep and financials are taking a big blow and he can't cope because he was handed everything in life and can't face adversity.

I'm honestly surprised he hasn't retired  yet to become a pro in PUBG and dating insta models. 

13 hours ago, mr_hunt said:

 

 

Now the big question is does Embiid also believe this is not a day to day issue?

13 hours ago, jsdarkstar said:

So then the only other option is for Ben to play with the Sixers. If he refuses, he gets fined. No play, No pay. For 4 years. 

That's just idiotic.