The disconnect between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers may be even greater than first thought, with reports of the Australian ignoring staff and teammates, and spending as little time in the practice facility as possible.
“People present at the scene say Simmons has simply come and gone inside the 76ers’ facility since returning to practice Sunday,” NBA insider Shams Charania reported.
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“He enters the facility and ignores most 76ers staffers. For instance, when the 76ers’ security official greeted Simmons on Sunday, the three-time All-Star just walked right by him.
“When others greet him, Simmons typically has given no response.”
Simmons has reportedly been training by himself and not showering at the facility, and earlier today, was kicked out of practice and suspended for “conduct detrimental to the team”.
Simmons had seemed set to play for the 76ers after ending his holdout by making a surprise return to Philadelphia, but the latest incident now puts his future with the team firmly in doubt.
Philadelphia’s season starts tomorrow on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans, with Simmons’ replacement Tyrese Maxey set to get the start at point guard.
Even NBA commissioner Adam Silver has weighed in on the tensions between the team and player, saying it was “something you never like to see”.