MY ACCOUNT
The speculation around Ben Simmons and what his situation means for the rest of the Philadelphia 76ers has been unhelpful, coach Doc Rivers acknowledges.
The NBA trade deadline passes on Thursday – in theory meaning an end to Simmons gossip at least until the end of the season.
Led by MVP candidate Joel Embiid, the 76ers are an impressive fifth in the Eastern Conference despite being without second man Simmons for the whole year so far.
The former number one overall pick has been the subject of trade talk for over a year and has actively pushed for a trade since before this season started.
The 76ers have not yet managed to find a deal that suits them, although the looming deadline may focus minds.
Potential trade options are seemingly decreasing, however, with the Sacramento Kings pulling out of talks and the Washington Wizards’ Bradley Beal out for the year.
That might mean Simmons staying in Philly, but Rivers is just keen to get to the end of the week regardless.
“Absolutely,” Rivers said of anticipating the deadline. “Especially this year, just because of the situation we’re in.
“I know our guys are NBA players and all that, but they’re human.
“I can’t imagine the amount of names that have been thrown in. So every single guy goes to bed tonight thinking this may be his last night or whatever, so that’s tough. It really is.”
Should Simmons go elsewhere or stay on the sideline, the Sixers will require reinforcements at point guard. Rivers said the team “have to” add depth behind Tyrese Maxey, a breakout star in Simmons’ absence.
But there is also the possibility Simmons himself could be the man to bolster Rivers’ roster, making an improbable return to action.
Team-mate Embiid said after Tuesday’s defeat to the Phoenix Suns: “Like I’ve been saying since the season started, I’m happy.
“Whoever wants to play is welcome. If someone wants to play, they’re welcome. But we’ve got guys here that want to be here, that show up every single night.”
The center was speaking in response to a question on Simmons, who he criticised following last year’s playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
In a lengthy answer, Embiid added: “If you want to be part of us, I am sure everybody is going to be fine with it, but you’ve got to show up. You’ve got to want to be there. And I’m sure everybody is going to accept whoever that is.”
