After a shocking development in the Ben Simmons saga on Monday, media poured into the Sixers' training facility in Camden on Wednesday, looking to get more information on the situation. While the three-time All-Star hasn't officially made his return to the team, he is taking the necessary steps to do so.
During his post-practice media availability, Doc Rivers did his best to inform everyone what has happened since Simmons landed in Philadelphia. He said that he and Simmons spoke “several times” on Tuesday, and the former number one pick did all the physicals and testing to move closer to taking the floor. While the team practice Wednesday morning, Ben Simmons will be at the facility in the evening for individual workouts until he clears health and safety protocol.
Many have questioned Simmons' intentions in his return to Philadelphia and if this means he will actually put on a uniform again for the team. Rivers could not give a definite answer on the matter but thinks he will have both his All-Stars on the court to start the season. “I don't know that. I'm assuming he's going to play, but who knows. I can't get in anyone's head,” Rivers said Wednesday.
Simmons is expected to clear protocol on Friday, the same day as the Sixers' preseason finale against the Detroit Pistons. Rivers has not ruled out the possibility of him taking the floor that night but said it all depends on how he looks in his workouts in the coming days.
The entire landscape of the Ben Simmons' saga has completely changed in the last 48 hours. After seemingly have no intention of ever wearing a Sixers jersey again, the reality continues to grow that he decides to re-join his teammates.
This does not mean that his trade demands have gone away, but it appears Simmons has decided to handle things in a more professional manner. Taking the floor and reminding everyone around the league what a special talent he is might get him closer to a change of scenery than if he were to continue his holdout.
There is no telling what will happen, but all of this is a step in the right direction from the Sixers‘ perspective. It doesn't make much sense for Ben Simmons to jump through all these hoops if he didn't intend to play in games.
One angle that has not been brought up enough is Daryl Morey being right on staying patient. Other GMs might not have been able to handle how everything went down this offseason and settled for a lesser trade, but not Morey. It's still unsure what form of Simmons Rivers gets, but calling the bluff turned out to be the correct move.
This whole saga has been unpredictable and continues to be. Now that Ben Simmons has officially ended his holdout, all eyes are on if this change of heart leads to a return on the court. It will be very interesting to see how it all plays out in the coming weeks.
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