Ben Simmons has had his first official day as an NBA truant, but it was his coach that is making headlines for a viral new video.
The 76ers’ media day had no shortage of drama.
In Ben Simmons’ absence, head coach Doc Rivers was faced with questions about the team’s estranged point guard and his whereabouts.
Rivers — who made it clear he wants Simmons to remain in Philadelphia, despite his request for a trade — became aggravated with a reporter who interrupted him while talking about the situation.
Rivers was discussing a quote he gave after the 76ers were eliminated in the playoffs; he was asked if he thought Simmons was a championship point guard and responded, in part, “I don’t know the answer to that.”
The Sixers coach claimed the comments were taken out of context.
“Listen we can go back and forth all you want or anybody else wants, on intent, but I’ve never had a problem owning what I say, ever,” Rivers said before a reporter tried to interject.
“I’m gonna finish,” Rivers said when the reporter began talking over him. “I’m in charge here. I’m gonna finish.”
Rivers went on to say it was clear his intent was that he was not answering the question and that he wasn’t dissing Simmons, noting he defended Simmons all season. Rivers said he still thinks “the world” of Simmons.
The same reporter said Simmons “apparently” took offense to Rivers’ response to the championship question, but Rivers said he doesn’t believe that is among Simmons’ issues with the franchise.
Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey sat beside Rivers and did not chime in during the viral moment.
Simmons was a no-show at Philadelphia’s media day, after it was reported last week that he will not attend training camp and does not want to play in a Sixers uniform ever again.
Rivers appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” a day after the report went public, and addressed the situation.
“We’re always going to do what’s best for the team, but I can tell you up front, we’d love to get Ben back and if we can’t we’re going to try to do that,” River said, noting Simmons’ “long” contract. “It’s in our hands and we want him back.”
Rivers confirmed Simmons did request for a trade out of Philadelphia in a meeting with the Sixers front office, including himself.
The Simmons-Sixers drama started in June after the All-Star point guard put on a historically poor offensive performance in the 2021 playoffs.
He has distanced himself from the team since, with any communication going through his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.
Simmons has four years left on his USD$177 million max contract.
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