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‘Sit Out & Get Paid’: 76ers Fans Can’t Hide Their Frustration After Latest Update in the Ben Simmons Saga

Published 11/04/2021, 10:08 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Ben Simmons and his saga with the Philadelphia 76ers is a huge talking point in the basketball world. The Sixers star’s estranged relationship with the franchise has been the subject of many debates. The 25-year-old requested a trade in June and subsequently missed preseason training camp. Sixers fined Simmons for missing camp and suspended him for his half-hearted training when he eventually turned up.

The point guard initially began his public dispute with the Sixers after their Game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. A trade move request by Simmons in the game’s aftermath further deteriorated the relationship. Sixers coach Doc Rivers also suspended Simmons from the team for “conduct detrimental to the team“. The Sixers reportedly stopped fining Simmons when he revealed to them he had a mental health issue.

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The Athletic recently revealed that Daryl Morey, president of the Sixers, had spoken to Simmons about his return. However, Simmons has emphasized his mental health issues as being a barrier to returning to game action. The power forward/point guard is seeking advice from mental health professionals as he continues his absence from the team.

USA Today via Reuters

Promising to remain supportive, the Sixers’ officials have requested feedback from Simmons regarding his mental health process. However, the Sixers wishing to protect his privacy have declined from asking for specifics about his process. Morey previously warned fans about the saga, saying, “You’re going to think I’m kidding, I’m not. This could (go on for) four years“.

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Reaction to the latest development in the Ben Simmons saga

Fans on Twitter couldn’t hide their disappointment upon learning about the latest development in this saga.

Some fans voiced disappointment with Simmons and labeled his mental health reasons as an excuse. Fans opined that he deserved the criticism for his uninspired performances. They expressed frustration saying that Simmons was deflecting attention away from athletes with genuine mental health issues.

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The Sixers have not provided a definite timetable to detail out Simmons’ return. The Philadelphia-based franchise has started the season recently well with a record of 6-2. In Simmons’ absence, Joel Embiid remains the Sixers’ talisman despite a few injury concerns. It remains to be seen if the Ben Simmons saga ends with him returning to the team or getting his controversial trade away from the Sixers.

Watch This story: Top trade destinations for Estranged 76ers Star Ben Simmons Featuring Damian Lillards Trail Blazers

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Written by:

Shalom Saldanha

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Shalom Saldanha is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing his journalism degree, he has previously worked as a sports corresspondent for India Shorts/Business Upturn. A Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks fan, Shalom primarily got into the sport after discovering that he shared a mutual love for Arsenal with the 'Greek Freak'.
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