Superstar 76er Joel Embiid says he’s not “here to babysit” teammate Ben Simmons after the Australian was kicked out of practice and suspended for his refusal to participate in Philadelphia training drills.
Simmons stunned the NBA world when it was revealed 76ers coach Doc Rivers told the three-time NBA All-Star to pack up and go home after he refused to participate in a defensive drill.
Simmons has been at the centre of an ugly trade saga with the 76ers, and while it’s likely his days are numbered in Philadelphia, when he gets traded is a mystery with the organisation nowhere near a deal with another team, giving the Australian no choice but to stay where he is.
Following today’s event, Embiid, last year’s runner-up for MVP, said he has had enough of the entire saga.
“At this point, I don’t care about that man, honestly. He does whatever he wants,” Embiid told reporters.
“That’s not my job, that’s those guys’ jobs.
READ MORE: Simmons causes social media storm in 76ers practice footage
“I’m only focused on trying to make the team better, win some games, play hard every night, try to lead the guys that we have here, and I’m sure they feel the same way because our chemistry has been excellent despite everything that’s been happening in the last few months. I don’t really care.”
Prior to today’s practice, Simmons had initially refused to show up to pre-season training camp as part of his bid to leave Philadelphia.
He shocked the franchise last week by showing up at the team’s headquarters.
The Australian superstar still has four years left to run on his contract and is owed more than $200 million dollars.
Embiid said he had no interest in convincing Simmons to listen.
READ MORE: Ben Simmons kicked out of Sixers practice, cops $1.4m fine
“I’m not here to babysit. I would be willing to babysit if somebody wants to listen, but that’s not my job,” Embiid added.
“That’s out of my control. I’m focused on what’s here and let’s try to win some games.”