For basically the entire offseason, it didn’t seem like there was any chance we’d see Ben Simmons in 76ers gear again. He was essentially blamed for the second-round loss to the Atlanta Hawks, cut off communication with the team and demanded a trade.
But as hefty fines started to build up, Simmons decided to end his hiatus and report to Sixers practice. And while Simmons was physically present at practice this week, it was pretty clear he was there in the Marshawn Lynch sense — just so he wouldn’t get fined.
On Monday, video hit social media of a miserable Simmons halfheartedly participating in practice with his phone still in his pocket. It got even worse as practice came to a close. Simmons ignored the team huddle.
Ben Simmons doesn’t participate in the huddle with the team after practice and quickly leaves the floor
(h/t @JamieApody)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 18, 2021
Reporters captured footage at the end of Monday’s session that showed Simmons dribbling a basketball as the rest of the team huddled up to close practice. And as the rest of the team stuck around on the practice court, Simmons quickly made his way to the locker room by himself.
That was some serious “I don’t want to be here” energy. And you know what — the Sixers noticed. On Tuesday, Doc Rivers reportedly threw Simmons out of practice. The team then announced a one-game suspension for Simmons.
Sixers coach Doc Rivers threw Ben Simmons out of practice today and the suspension came shortly thereafter, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 19, 2021
Sixers suspend Ben Simmons for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team, team says in news release. He won't play tomorrow vs. New Orleans.
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) October 19, 2021
“Trade me” on three.
