NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia 76ers could reunite with a former player if things fall into place. Despite saying there would be no buyout, what if the Brooklyn Nets and Ben Simmons reached an agreement? 76ers fans are reading this and saying “hell no” but let’s look at what the harm will be. Simmons is still young and if he can get his back and mind right, he’s exactly what the 76ers need.
Tyrese Maxey is still green at the PG position and much like Allen Iverson before him, he just doesn’t fit that mold. He’s great with the ball in his hands but more of a scorer than a facilitator. Adding Simmons to this unit would solve many of the 76ers’ problems.
He’s a great passér, great at initiating an offense, plays defense, and can rebound with the best of them, and best of all, he’s not looking for many shots. At this point in today’s NBA, finding a true PG refusing to hoist 3s up at an alarming rate is such a good thing. But the issue is not just his back. It’s his mental state.
We all know what happened in his first stint but one about Philly fans is their willingness to forgive. If Simmons can get to the media and say the right things then hit the court and prove that he wants to be a baller, trust me, he will win the fans back.
Ben Simmons And The Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid, Maxey, and a healthy Simmons, that’s a scary trio right there. Not only that, but each player will enter the season with a chip on their respective shoulders.
Doc Rivers is gone. Nick Nurse and his ball movement offense are now running the show. The Nets are stuck in limbo with their current roster and with Simmons set to make another $40M this coming season, why should the Nets continue to pay a guy who can’t seem to keep on the court?
Even with rumors stating the Nets and Simmons will not likely engage in buyout talks, it still seems a bit weird their reason for holding on to him. There is speculation, that with this being his last under that massive contract, the Nets are still holding out hope that some team will come and take Simmons off their hands in a trade.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, it could be the same issue but if there is a buyout, it’s well worth the low risk for both parties. Can Simmons hack it in Philly after what happened, that’s the million-dollar question. But if Maxey, Embiid, and Morey get behind him, the fans will come around.
With all the talk centered around adding Jimmy Butler or Paul George, Ben Simmons is one of the players they should keep an eye on. His addition to this team could be the difference between another early exit or a trip to the Finals.
Yes, the back is an issue. But what if it’s not? Sometimes players and teams need a divorce from one another and much like his first stint in Philly, his time is wearing thin in Brooklyn.
There would be a few hurdles to maneuver around for this to happen but to rule out a Ben Simmons return to the Philly would be foolish. Simmons has stated that he still has love for the city and with the way the team has faltered of late, it would be wise for the organization not to give this some serious thought.
The money is there for the team where if there is a buyout, he would come on the cheap end. This could also be a redemption season for Simmons if he’s physically and mentally ready.
You must of fell and hit your head!