“Ben Simmons shouldn’t load his head with crap”: When Doc Rivers said he didn’t care for former Sixer’s shooting
Ben Simmons is now a Brooklyn Net. However, at one point Doc Rivers envisioned him as a long-term winner with the 76ers.
The 2021-2022 season was quite a year for the NBA. The season saw a number of surprises in terms of wins, losses, and even trades.
In fact, the trade deadline was particularly exciting.
This was simply due to the blockbuster trade that saw Ben Simmons move to the Nets and James Harden go the other way to the 76ers.
A Simmons trade was on the cards for Philadelphia, as the former Rookie of the Year was holding out. The Australian superstar had a variety of reasons for not returning to the court, until the 76ers couldn’t take it anymore!
BREAK THE TRADE: HARDEN PHILLY!
76ers get: James Harden, Paul MillsapNets get: Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, TWO 1RP
Who won the deal? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/0ncKVgMSbI
— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) February 10, 2022
Also read: “People in Philly just want to have a say about fucking anything, man!”: Ben Simmons opens up about Sixers fans and media
Simmons’ time in Philadelphia ended on a sour note. However, there was a time when head coach Doc Rivers envisioned him as a key part of the team.
Doc Rivers once said that he needed Ben Simmons to help the Philadelphia 76ers win games.
Ben Simmons missed the better part of a year on his way to full recovery. At that point, his lack of commitment caused him to be traded from the team that drafted him, the 76ers.
However, it’s easy to forget how good Simmons is. While he may lack the 3-point shooting that many expect from the modern NBA player, he makes up for it in every other way.
His interior presence, defense and playmaking are at an elite level. In fact, his former coach Doc Rivers thought so too, once he said he needed Simmons to help the 76ers win.
“I’ll let them talk about what Ben doesn’t do. I just want Ben to keep playing great defense, running our team and winning games.
“
Doc wants to win with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Can Rivers be successful with this duo? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/kRI8wjjTT8
– the punctuation (@lapuntuación) November 2, 2020
Things sure changed quickly for Rivers. It’s safe to say that the idea of winning with Simmons is definitely out of his mind now.
Also read: Shaquille O’Neal, who mocked Ben Simmons’ $300,000 Gucci outfit, now gives advice for dealing with criticism
