Joel Embiid calls Ben Simmons’ situation ‘borderline disrespectful,’ says 76ers are built around Simmons

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star middle Joel Embiid responded to a report on Thursday that Ben Simmons no longer wanted to play alongside him on account of his taking part in type. Simmons has requested a commerce away from Philadelphia and he plans to avoid the Sixers till his want is granted. 

Whereas Embiid famous that he nonetheless thinks the Sixers are higher off with the Defensive Participant of the 12 months runner-up on the courtroom, he additionally pushed again in opposition to the concept Simmons’ unhappiness along with his function in Philadelphia is one way or the other his fault. Embiid mentioned that he has altered his personal sport to raised match alongside Simmons, and added that he looks like Philadelphia’s rosters have constantly been constructed round Simmons, who prefers to function with the ball in his palms on account of his incapability to area the ground with a shot. Each of these issues are objectively true. 

“It was sort of stunning to see,” Embiid said of the report. “We’ll say that, even going again to, the rationale we signed Al [Horford]. We removed Jimmy [Butler], which I nonetheless assume was a mistake, simply to ensure he wanted the ball in his palms, and that is the choice they made. Like I mentioned, it’s stunning… Most of my profession, I’ve needed to sort of step again out to the 3-point line, which I do not thoughts. I prefer to be a basketball participant. I love to do the whole lot on the basketball courtroom.

“However I really feel like our groups have been constructed, whether or not it is the capturing wanted or stretch 5 and that stuff, I really feel like he is all the time had it right here,” Embiid added. “And we nonetheless have it. Seth [Curry] is among the greatest 3-point shooters ever. Danny Green, Tobias is a 40 p.c 3-point shooter. Furkan [Korkmaz] coming off of the bench. At occasions Shake [Milton], I feel he could be a higher shooter, however you understand, he can get scorching. We simply added Georges [Niang]. So I really feel like, our groups have all the time been constructed round his wants.” 

Embiid additionally publicly spoke out in opposition to Simmons’ stance and resolution to stay away from the staff for the primary time by calling it  “bizarre” and “borderline disrespectful.” 

“I am actually targeted on the blokes which might be right here,” Embiid mentioned. “The scenario is bizarre, disappointing, borderline sort of disrespectful to all the blokes which might be out right here preventing for his or her lives. Some guys depend on the staff being profitable to remain within the league and earn cash one way or the other. As a result of in case you’re on a profitable staff, you are all the time going to have a spot within the league, simply since you’re on a profitable staff and also you contributed.” 

After taking part in good for the primary few days of coaching camp, Embiid clearly did not really feel like holding again anymore. The large fella’s feedback doubtless will not assist the scenario in any respect however, at this level, it hardly issues as the connection between Simmons and the Sixers seems to be irreparable. Even when Simmons finally re-joins the staff for monetary causes, a commerce is all however inevitable.