The drama between Sixers’ guard Ben Simmons and the organization has been well documented since last season ended. The 76ers started the season without Simmons and after a 2-2 start went on a 6 game win streak. The chemistry of the team was high even while facing injuries and COVID-19 issues. The Sixers are currently on a 4-game losing streak while the organization battles with Simmons and Klutch Sports in the background.
With the team still pushing through all types of health concerns, you can see that they are missing his production or production from a replacement. Yes, they are one of the top teams offensively but it still feels like something is missing from this team.
76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey is hoping to get Simmons back on the court, but it is hard to really see that happening. If Simmons returned to the court, who would he replace in the starting lineup? Second year guard Tyrese Maxey has shown signs of making a leap offensively and defensively and the staff wouldn’t want to bench him. Simmons wouldn’t replace either Embiid, Harris, or Curry in the starting lineup. It would also be unlikely that he would replace Danny Green, who provides the spacing and shooting that Joel Embiid needs to thrive.
With all that said, it is time for Morey and the 76ers to move on from Simmons. We know Morey is waiting on turmoil from other teams to boil over or the next star to request out. The Sixers have their eyes on possible team turmoil surrounding the Boston Celtics (Jaylen Brown), Portland Trailblazers (Damian Lillard), and New Orleans Pelicans (Brandon Ingram). Ultimately, the Sixers need to push to make a deal to get a player or players in the rotation and to build on chemistry sooner rather than later. The likelihood of Simmons suiting up again for Philadelphia is very low. It’s best for all parties to move on and wash their hands of this drama.
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