Ben Simmons Suspended, Will Miss Season Opener

Ben Simmons
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 05: Philadelphia 76ers Guard Ben Simmons (25) looks on during warmups before the Eastern Conference Semifinal Game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on May 05, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire)

Fans and media members alike waited for Ben Simmons to speak to the media for the first time since rejoining the Sixers. That moment never came, however as soon enough, word spread that Simmons had, in fact, been suspended by the team.

The reasoning for the suspension stems from the team’s practice today, as Simmons was supposedly reluctant to “physically and mentally engage with the Sixers.”

Head Coach Doc Rivers when as far as to throw Simmons out of practice, a move that made a bold statement about Simmons’ relationship with the team.

This seems to have always been an ace up Daryl Morey‘s sleeve as Simmons continues to act as though he were an equal of James Harden. In Houston, Haden famously acted a similar way until he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. One important fact that everyone is aware of is that Simmons is no James Harden. Well, everyone but Simmons is aware of that, at least.

This suspension places even further importance on Friday’s home opener against the Brooklyn Nets as everyone will be waiting with bated breath to see if Simmons plays and how the Philadelphia crowd reacts.

Doc Rivers spoke to the media after practice and mentioned that he and Simmons had a “good conversation” the same day that was “not to be shared.” but it remains to be seen how that will impact Simmons’ future.